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Abstract
This paper examined the experiences of the post 1995 Montserratian migrants in the UK—as transnationals and as a diaspora. It relates that the out-migration phenomenon is not new in the Montserrat context, but this group is spotlighted not only because it represents the largest out-migration in the recorded history of the island, but also because it has literally changed the face of the socio-economic, socio-cultural and socio-political landscape of the Montserrat community at home and abroad.
Conceptually, transnationalism and diaspora are as complex and varied as the many scholarly explanations proffered. Yet, the relocated Montserratians’ case is not grounded in any specific conceptualisation, but rather spans a cross-section of theories and definitions. It is within this framework that the paper discusses issues relating to location and settlement structure, group structure, the role of the churches in resettlement and views on repatriation.
The paper concludes by suggesting that an interactive collaboration between forced migrants and host country is a vital ingredient for ‘survival’ for a people who are striving to sustain its cultural values in a foreign land.