Island, dependency of the British Empire, in the West Indies. Administered by nominated executive and legislative councils. Settled by Irish in 1632 who were fleeing anti-Catholic sentiments in other Caribbean islands. Much of the island was devastated by volcanic explosion in July 1995, and the bulk of the population fled; less than 10,000 residents remain. Catholic inflence in place names include,
Ecclesiastically the island belongs to the diocese of Saint John's-Basseterre, Antilles. See also the Montserrat government web site.