Montserrat, known as “The Emerald Isle of The Caribbean,” has a rich Irish history dating back to the early 17th century.
Irish people first arrived on the island in 1632, sent by Sir Thomas Warner, the first British governor of neighboring St Kitts. The initial settlers were predominantly Irish Catholics, who established plantations to grow tobacco, indigo, cotton, and later sugar.
By the mid-17th century, Irish Catholics made up the majority of Montserrat’s population, with over 70% of the white inhabitants being of Irish descent. This influx of Irish settlers continued, particularly after Oliver Cromwell’s victory in Ireland in 1653, when an estimated 10,000 Catholics were forcibly transported as laborers or prisoners.
The Irish influence on Montserrat was significant:
- Demographics: The first official census in 1678 reported that out of 3,674 inhabitants, 1,869 were Irish.
- Economy: Irish families played a crucial role in the island’s economy, with over a third of the sugar estates being run by Irish families.
- Language: There is evidence suggesting that the Irish language was spoken on the island until at least the mid-19th century, even among the African slave population.
The island’s Irish heritage is still celebrated today, most notably on St. Patrick’s Day. Uniquely, Montserrat commemorates both its Irish roots and a slave uprising that occurred on March 17, 1768. This event has become a symbol of the island’s complex history, blending Irish and African heritage.
The Irish influence is also evident in Montserrat’s place names (e.g., Cork Hill, Kinsale), surnames, and even in the island’s Creole language, which includes Irish-derived words.
Today, many Montserratians of mixed race still claim Irish descent, and the island continues to embrace its Irish connections through culture, traditions, and even its flag, which features Erin, the Irish goddess, holding a harp.
