University of Phoenix

The fastest growing school in the world. Highly career-focused education, designed to accelerate the careers of working professionals. Both campus-based and online. Wide range of degrees, programs, locations.

Montserrat Government

Montserrat Government: A summary of information about Montserrat Government, from government research data as well as independent research and other sources.

You are here:
All Countries > Montserrat > Montserrat Government

Montserrat: Government

Country name

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Montserrat

Data code

MH

Dependency status

overseas territory of the UK

Government type

NA

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)

Administrative divisions

3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges,
Saint Peter's

Independence

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday

Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second
Saturday of June)

Constitution

present constitution came into force 19 December 1989

Legal system

English common law and statutory law

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor Anthony John ABBOTT (since NA September 1997)
head of government: Chief Minister David BRANDT (since 22 August 1997)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief
minister, three other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance
secretary
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the
monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party usually becomes chief minister; note - as a result of the last
election, a coalition party was formed between NPP, NDP, and one of
the independent candidates

Legislative branch

unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats, 7
popularly elected; members serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 11 November 1996 (next to be held by NA 2001)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPA
2, MNR 2, NPP 1, independent 2

Judicial branch

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint
Lucia), one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands
and presides over the High Court

Political parties and leaders

Movement for National Reconstruction or
MNR ; National Development Party or NDP
; National Progressive Party or NPP ;
People's Progressive Alliance or PPA

International organization participation

Caricom, CDB, ECLAC
(associate), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, WCL

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (overseas territory of the
UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (overseas territory of the
UK)

Flag description

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper
hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the
outer half of the flag; the coat of arms features a woman standing
beside a yellow harp with her arm around a black cross