BRADES, Montserrat (December 21, 2010) – “A beautiful story of resilience, of transformation and of hope” is how Craig Leon, Producer and Director of The Rebirth of Montserrat describes the new DVD released today on island.

The documentary film was a “labour of love” which was spearheaded by Financial Secretary John Skerritt OBE with the full support of Chief Minister Reuben Meade and Former Chief Minister Dr. Lowell Lewis.

The hour-long film takes a look at Montserrat through the eyes of the people, government leaders, students, well-known island figures and the visitors who return year after year. The main narrator is scholar and author Sir Howard Fergus KBE with the beautiful scenery of the island as the back drop.

Financial Secretary Skerritt said it was important to show Montserrat the way those living here experience it every day. Throughout the film, notable persons such as Sir George Martin, Rose Willock, Former Chief Minister David Brandt and heads of government agencies, school principals and children talk about Montserrat and the many aspects that make the island the best place in the world to live.

Entertainers such as the late Alphonsus “Arrow” Cassell MBE, Keithroy “De Bear” Morson, the Emerald Community Singers, Police Constable Kevin Barnes are featured as well. Montserratian singer Boney M’s Maize Williams also performs with school students.

Principal Anne Marie Dewar speaks about the high quality of education on Montserrat; while Deputy Governor Sarita Francis, Permanent Secretary Beverley Mendes and others look at the quality of health care.

The Little Bay Development is highlighted with the plans for it as Montserrat’s town centre, including the Cultural Centre and how it was built from the generosity of international performers including Sting, Phil Collins, and Paul McCartney.

“Throughout the world, we found that most people are unaware of all that is going on in Montserrat. The idea was that the Island was wiped out by a volcano yet the documentary shows a completely different story,” says film director Craig Leon.

DVDs are now available at the Montserrat Tourism Board and will also be sold during ArrowFest 2010 in the lobby of the Montserrat Cultural Centre.