In the late 1990s, massive volcanic eruptions destroyed Montserratâs infrastructure and leveled the islandâs capital, Plymouth. Today, Montserratâs 4,000 citizens are still coming to terms with this traumatic event. "Montserrat: Emerald of the Caribbean" explores how shared valuesâcommunity, hope, faithâand traditions serve as sources of strength and identity for Montserratians as they rebuild their lives together. The film culminates in a portrayal of the sights and sounds of Montserratâs annual St. Patrickâs Day Festival, a commemoration of African slaves who rebelled against their Irish slave masters on Saint Patrickâs Day, 1768. A unique blend of African, Caribbean, and Irish traditions, the Saint Patrickâs Day Festival represents the past, present, and future of a resilient people.
