English and Irish colonists from St. Kitts first settled on Montserrat in 1632; the first African slaves arrived three decades later. The British and French fought for possession of the island for most of the 18th century, but it finally was confirmed as a British possession in 1783. The island's sugar plantation economy was converted to small farm landholdings in the mid-19th century. Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity since, with the last eruption occurring in July 2003.
Montserrat is a parliamentary democracy and a self-governing overseas territory of the UK.
Source: CIA World Factbook
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Displaying 31 - 35 of 46Land Acquisition Act (Cap. 8.08).
This Act concerns acquisition of privately-owned land for public purposes and related matters such as (assessment of) compensation. If the Governor considers that any land should be acquired for a public purpose he or she may, with the approval of the Legislative Assembly, cause a declaration to that effect to be made and that declaration shall be conclusive evidence that the land to which it relates is required for a public purpose. An authorised officer (as defined by Act No.
Land Adjudication Act (Cap. 8.07).
This Act concerns adjudication procedures and registration of rights and interests in land in areas as defined by Order of the Governor. The Adjudication Officer shall be in charge of the adjudication. The Adjudication Area shall be divided by this public officer in into two or more adjudication sections. Except with the consent in writing of the Adjudication Officer, no action concerning land or rights to land in an adjudication section shall be begun in any civil court until proceedings under this Act have been completed.
Landholding Control Act (Cap. 8.02)
This Act concerns control of holding of interests in land in Montserrat by foreigners, i.e. a person other than a person who is deemed to belong to Montserrat under the provisions of section 2(2)(b) of the Immigration Act. The Act also provides for forfeiture of land and mortgages held by persons not belonging to Montserrat after commencement of the Act.
Land Survey Act (Cap. 8.09).
This Act makes provision for the regulation and control of land survey practices and for this purpose establishes the Land Surveyors' Board and appoints the Chief Surveyor. The Chief Surveyor shall also direct and control all public surveys and shall be the authority for the preparation and publication of the official maps of Montserrat. The Board shall, among other things, examine, license and register surveyors and may take disciplinary measures and hear disputes. The Act sets out rules for the conduct of surveys. Only licensed Surveyors may survey land.
Forestry, Wildlife, National Parks and Protected Areas Act (Chapter 12.03).
This Act makes provision for the management and conservation of forest and wildlife resources in Montserrat. It establishes the Forestry, Wildlife, National Parks and Protected Areas Board and the Environmental Fund. The Board shall, among other things, advise the Minister and review and revise the national forest, wildlife and national parks plan.