Montserrat

Though its capital was leveled by a volcano and more than half of the island is now in the “exclusion zone,” this British territory remains home to a vibrant community.

A documentary explores how Curacao is trying to lead the Caribbean in building an economy around its coral reefs, instead one that threatens them.

Young filmmakers examine efforts on Curaçao to sustain the island’s coral bounty while enhancing its economy.

Ryan Brandt travel article on rebounding of Montserrat after three natural disasters in past 16 years--Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Soufriere Hills Volcano eruptions in 1995 and 1997; photo; maps (M)

Airport opens in Montserrat for first time since 1997, when volcanic eruptions destroyed previous airport (S)

Article on Escolania of Montserrat, Europe's oldest boys' choir, based in monastery in Montserrat, Spain, which dates to at least 13th century; for centuries, choir required parents to give up their 9- to 14-year-old boys for most of 11 months each year; seeking to remain viable, choir will reopen in fall with greatly relaxed rules governing student life, including eventual admission of girls; photos (M)

People from Montserrat who are living illegally in US agonize over whether to return to volcano-damaged island, move to Britain where they have right to citizenship, or defy order from Homeland Security Department to leave US by end of February; photo of Everson Farrell with children; department has ruled that island will not be safe anytime soon, so that temporary protected status is not applicable (M)

Dept of Homeland Security says 292 people from Montserrat who were granted temporary protected status in 1995 because of threat of volcano must leave United States by end of Feb; says volcanic activity no longer constitutes temporary disruption because it is not likely to cease in foreseeable future; Homeland Security officials, noting that Montserrat is one of Britain's last overseas territories, suggest that those who do not want to return to Montserrat should exercise their claim to British citizenship and relocate there; British government is taken by suprise; whether Montserratians who fail to leave US before deadline will be deported to island or sent elsehere is unclear; photos; map (M)

Caribbean island of Monserrat's national soccer team is ranked last among FIFA's 203 members, but is in process of rebuilding team and new stadium after Soufriere Hills volcano erupted and covered two-thirds of island in 1995; photo (M)

Comment on widespread destruction on Caribbean island of Montserrat, caused by Soufriere Hills Volcano; photos (M)