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List of
Banks in the Caribbean
List of Banks in Montserrat
Montserrat is a British overseas territory
located in the Leeward Islands, part of the chain of islands called the
Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. It measures approximately 16 km
(10 miles) long and 11 km (7 miles) wide, giving 40 kilometres (25 mi)
of coastline. Christopher Columbus gave Montserrat its name on his
second voyage to the New World in 1493, after Montserrat mountain
located in Catalonia, Spain. Montserrat is nicknamed the Emerald Isle of
the Caribbean, both for its resemblance to coastal Ireland and for the
Irish descent of its inhabitants.
Its Georgian era capital city of Plymouth was destroyed and two-thirds
of the island's population were forced to flee abroad by an eruption of
the previously dormant Soufriere Hills volcano that began on July 18,
1995. The eruption continues today on a much reduced scale, the
damage being confined to the areas around Plymouth including its docking
facilities and the former W.H. Bramble Airport. An exclusion zone
extending from the south coast of the island north to parts of the
Belham Valley has been imposed because of an increase in the size of the
existing volcanic dome.
Visitors are no longer permitted entry into Plymouth. The village of
Brades currently serves as the temporary centre of government while
construction proceeds on a new town at Little Bay in the north of the
island, out of reach of further volcanic activity.
Banks and Financial Insititutions
There are two main commercial banks - the Bank of Montserrat now located
in Brades which is now in their new building in Brades and the Royal
Bank of Canada, also located in Brades. ATM Cash Machines are located at
both Institutions. There is also the St. Patrick's Cooperative Credit
Union and the Montserrat Building Society.
Bank of Montserrat
Brades Main Road
Tel:(664) 491 3843
Open Mon-Fri 8:00 am to 2:00 pm; closes at 1:00 pm on Wednesdays and
3:00 pm on Fridays
Royal Bank of Canada
Brades Main Road
Tel: (664) 491 2426
Open Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 2:00 pm; closes at 1:00 pm on Wednesdays and
3:00 pm on Fridays
St. Patrick's Cooperative Credit Union
Brades Main Road
Tel: (664) 491 3666
Open Mon-Fri 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Montserrat Building Society
Brades Main Road
Tel: (664) 491 2391
Open Mon-Thu 8:30 am to 2:00pm and 8:30am to 3:00pm on Fridays
Business Hours
Government offices open from 8am to 4pm. Most shops open until 5pm while
on Wednesdays and Saturdays they may close around midday, with grocery
shops staying open much later and Sunday for a few hours.
Capital
Plymouth (abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity). Interim
government buildings have been built at Brades, in the Carr's Bay/Little
Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat. New Develpments are to
begin at Little Bay.
Car Rentals
There are several car rental agencies many of which accept credit cards
with addresses and phone numbers. Rental cars have red number plates and
numbers beginning with R.
Churches
The predominant religion is Christianity and there are many
denominations and churches.
Montserrat Christian Council
c/o the Methodist church office
Tel: (664) 491-2139 (weekdays between 9am and 3pm).
Climate & Rainfall
Winter and summer temperatures average between 24 and 32 Celsius (76 to
88 F) with constant breezes from the sea and mountains. The annual
rainfall is about 1,250-2,000 mm or 50-80 inches, well distributed
throughout the year, with a wetter season from July to November.
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Clothing
Light casual clothing, but bring along some long pants and sturdy shoes
if you intend to hike.
Communication/Mobile Phones
High speed internet access and cellular service are available. Two
mobile access platforms available - TDMA (DAMPS on 800 Mhz) and GSM 850.
Local SIM purchase is US$6 and a temporary phone rental is US$20 monthly.
Contact Cable and Wireless at (664) 491 2112 (ext 250) or e-mail mni-support@cwmni.cwplc.com
for more information.
Courier Services
Federal Express, DHL, UPS and LIAT Quick Pak all provide courier
services from Montserrat.
Shipping Agents
Peter's Agency
A& F Service Centre Complex
Sweeneys
Tel: 664 491 2244
Fax: 664 491 2245
Email: petersagency@candw.ms
http://www.gopetersagency.com/
Currency
Currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which exchanges at
approximately 2.7 EC dollars to the US dollar and between 4.6 and 4.9 EC
dollars to the pound sterling. Credit cards are not widely accepted, but
there is no problem cashing traveller's cheques at the banks.
Departure & Airport Security Tax
Departure and airport security tax from Montserrat is EC$35 (US$13) for
CARICOM nationals and EC$55 (US$21) for other nationals.
Drinking Water
Montserrat has one of the purest supplies of drinking water in the world,
and it is perfectly safe to drink from the tap. Bottled or mineral water
is also available in grocery stores.
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Drivers License
A local driver's license is necessary if you plan to drive in
Montserrat. You can apply for this at your port of entry or at the
Police Headquarters at Brades. The cost is EC$50 and you will need to
produce your valid driver's license from your country of origin.
Drugs
Even "soft" drugs like marijuana are illegal, and there are stiff
penalties for those caught in possession.
Duty Free
Gift articles up to a value of US$185 (EC$500) including the allowances
of wines, spirits, cigarettes, tobacco, cigars and perfume maybe
imported free of duty, provided that they do not exceed what is
permitted. The allowance inMontserrat is 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and
half a pound of tobacco, 40 ounces of alcoholic beverage and 6 ounces of
perfume. Personal items are exempt from import duty.
Exclusion Zone
The eruption of Soufriere Hills volcano in the South of the island has
led to the evacuation and relocation of residents beyond the Exclusion
Zone. This part of Montserrat is dangerous and is also illegal to enter.
The boundary for the Exclusion Zone is from Plymouth and southwards to
St. Patrick's through Windy Hill and Harris and down to the east coast
at the site of W. H. Bramble Airport.
Electricity
Voltage of 220 volts. Some buildings are wired for both 220 and 110
volts to suit North American appliances. Otherwise transformers are
easily available to reduce the voltage from 220 to 110 volts.
Emergency Numbers
Fire 911
Operator Assistance 411
Police 999
Getting Here
See Getting Here page in the Travelling Information Section of this site
Government
Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory, with a British Governor and
a locally elected government led by the Chief Minister. There is an
executive council, and a legislative council with nine elected members
including four ministers of government.
Health Requirements
No vaccination is required unless transiting or coming from infected
areas within six months of arrival. Persons known to have come from any
country that has suffered cholera, yellow fever or small pox epidemics
must have vaccination certificates.
Health Services
For a full guide to health services available in Montserrat click here.
Hospitals
Glendon Hospital, St. Johns
Tel: (664) 491 2552/7404
Internet Cafes
Grant Enterprises & Trading
Brades
Tel: (664) 491 9654
Fax: (664) 491 5854
Email: granten@candw.ms
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Language
The official language is English, often flavored with a strong
Montserratian accent, and sometimes spoken very fast.
Location
Montserrat is located at 16 45 N, 62 12 W, and 27 miles southwest of
Antigua.
Marriage
For visiting non-nationals a minimum stay of 3 working days in
Montserrat is required before application can be made to obtain a
special or Governor's Marriage License. Application for the license is
made through the Department of Administration. The following documents
are required:
* Marriage Application Form (issued by the Department of Administration)
* Passports of both parties
* Original absolute Divorce Decree (if divorced)
* Original Death Certificates of deceased spouse (if widowed)
* Non-Marriage Certificate (if applicable).
Department of Administration:
PO Box 292
Government Headquarters, Brades
Montserrat, B.W.I.
Tel: (664) 491 2365
Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm
Massages and Spa Treatments
Bliss Day Spa
Offers Swedish body massage, reflexology, Indian head massage,
therapeutic massage, facials, waxing manicures and pedicures. Gift
vouchers available. Operates from Drummonds.
Tel: (664) 491 2924/ 495 2924
E-Mail: mailto:laurettadaley@gmail.com
Website: www.blissdayspa4u.com
Lalie's
For massage therapy, body care, reflexology, aromatherapy and other
treatments contact Lalie's:For massage therapy, body care, reflexology,
aromatherapy and other treatments contact Lalie's:
Palm Loop, Woodlands
Phone: (664) 491 6439
E-Mail: kirnone@candw.ms
Passport/Visas
Proof of citizenship is required. A valid passport is recommended for
all visitors; however, US Canadian and British citizens may present a
driver's license or official ID card as proof of citizenship. Entry
visas may be required of visitors from other countries such as Cuba and
Eastern Bloc Countries, and can be obtained from British Consulate
offices. An onward or return ticket is required. CARICOM citizens can
travel on an official ID card, which must bear a photograph of the
individual. There shall be proof of accommodation and one must possess
sufficient funds to sustain ones self for the length of the visit.
Pharmacy
Lee's Pharmacy, Brades Main Road
Tel: (664) 491 3444
9am-7pm
Population
The population is currently estimated at 4,700. This is reduced from a
former 12,000 as many residents went to live overseas at the height
of?volcanic activity.
Post Office
General Post Office
Government Headquarters, Brades, Montserrat
Counter service from 8:15 am to 4pm, while parcel post is from 9am - 12
noon and again from 1pm to 3pm.
Real Esate in Montserrat
A holiday home can be purchased at relatively low prices so you can
experience a little Irish culture without the hassle of the Irish
weather! This is partly because the island is home to an active volcano,
but real estate in the northern safe zone represents a good investment
opportunity, with holiday lets a viable income generator. The government
welcomes expatriate investment in the island, so buying or building
property is a straightforward process for a non-national. All real
estate transactions are conducted in US dollars and purchasers receive a
freehold Land Certificate or title for the property upon closing. A
local lawyer represents the purchaser, applying for the alien landholder
licence and drawing up the necessary contracts. The total cost of the
landholder licence, land transfer, stamp duty, tax and legal fees is
approximately 15.6% of the net property price. This fee is borne by the
purchaser.
Safety
Montserrat prides itself on being one of the safest islands in the
Caribbean, but we still advise that you take sensible precautions.
Supermarkets
They tend to stay open later than other shops, and open also on Sundays
for varying times. For full list of supermarkets see the Food & Fun
section of this site.
Taxes & Other Charges
Departure & Security Tax: Paybale upon leaving Montserrat: US$13
(EC$35.00) for CARICOM nationals and US$21 (EC$55) for all other
nationals.
Accommodation Tax: 10% for hotels and 7% for Guesthouses, B&Bs and
Villas.
Tipping: 10% service charge added at most restaurants, otherwise at your
discretion. Yachting Charges: There is an EC$35 (about US$13) charge for
all yacht arrivals at the port levied by the Port Authority. Customs
makes no charge for attendance from Monday-Friday between the hours of
8am-4 pm. There is however a charge levied outside of those hours and on
Public Holidays to cover staff overtime; this is set presently at 50 EC$
per hour with a minimum of EC$100 per call out.
Time Difference
Same as Eastern Standard Time in summer, and one hour ahead in winter
(we don't change but they do). We're 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time
(5 hours behind Britain during British summer time).
Source: http://www.visitmontserrat.com/
Banking system
Two commercial banks are presently operating in Montserrat, providing
domestic and International Banking services. These banks are The Royal
Bank of Canada and an indigenous bank, The Bank of Montserrat.
Central bank
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, based in the neighboring island of
St. Kitts, acts as central bank for its members listed in Table Vll.
Vll-Members of Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
Antigua and Barbuda Montserrat
Anguilla St. Kitts and Nevis
Dominica St. Lucia
Grenada St. Vincent
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank manages the fiduciary issue and
monitors the commercial banks' reserves. The territories share a single
currency, the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). Exchange controls are
enforced by the individual islands' ministries of finance.
Specialized financial institutions
There are no leasing or factoring institutions.
Securities market
Montserrat is part of the Eastern Caribbean Stock Exchange
Specialized financial markets
The commercial banks can arrange forward purchases and sales of foreign
currency, but there is only a small amount of activity, since the
Eastern Caribbean dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at US$1 = EC$2.70
and the United States is the principal foreign trading partner. There is
no financial futures market and no commodities market.
Offshore financial services
There are offshore banking facilities, but there has been no activity
for the past few years in regard to the incorporation of new banks.
Montserrat an overseas territory is in the process of updating its
legislation to meet international conformity.
Get your own Bank account with ATM card
(Maestro/Mastercard debit card) for withdrawals with a Bank in the Caribe
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