Montserrat National Trust
The Montserrat National Trust is a charity established in February 1970 in Montserrat by the Montserrat National Trust Ordinance 1970, and the island's administration retains much supervision of it.
The Trust cares for a small number of sites on the island, some of which however have been destroyed by the eruptions of the Soufrière Hills volcano, including the Trust's museum at the Sugar Windmill it restored in Plymouth, before the town's destruction. The Trust's major site however survives: the Montserrat Botanic Garden.
The badge of the Trust shows the island's local emblem; a Montserrat oriole.
The Trust is not simply a manager of sites: its main objectives are: 'to conserve and enhance the beauty of Montserrat; to preserve and rehabilitate historical sites, including but not limited to buildings, monuments, documents, chattels etc; to preserve the fauna and flora of Montserrat; to make the public aware of the value and beauty of the island’s heritage; to pursue a policy of preservation and act in an advisory capacity; to acquire property for the benefit of the island; to compile a photographic and architectural records of the above'.
Work
The Trust relies on the work of volunteers, in existing projects and the launching of new projects. It is a membership organisation, with membership from the local community and those of Montserrat's people living off the island.
The Trust obtains its operating income from fund raising events, from the Government of Montserrat, from projects and donations and from membership fees.
Sites
- Montserrat Botanic Garden
- Montserrat Museum (in Little Bay)
- Beachettes ravines
- Woodlands Beach House
- Nature trails in the Centre Hills and Silver Hills