English and Irish colonists from St. Kitts first settled on Montserrat in 1632; the first African slaves arrived three decades later. The British and French fought for possession of the island for most of the 18th century, but it finally was confirmed as a British possession in 1783. The island's sugar plantation economy was converted to small farm landholdings in the mid-19th century. Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity since, with the last eruption occurring in July 2003.
Montserrat is a parliamentary democracy and a self-governing overseas territory of the UK.
Source: CIA World Factbook
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Displaying 26 - 30 of 46Property Tax Determination of Rate Order (Cap. 17.16).
This Order prescribes, for purposes of 3, 5, and 68 of the Property Tax Act, property tax rates and the rate of surcharge on property tax in respect of hereditaments falling under the classification shown in Column I of the Schedule.
Implements: Property Tax Act (Cap. 17.16). (2013-01-01)
Physical Planning Act (Cap. 8.03)
This Act makes provision with respect to planning and control of development in Montserrat and for these purposes establishes the Planning and Development Authority, defines its functions and powers and provides with respect to its organization and administration. The Authority shall prepare a National Physical Development Plan in accordance with this Act. Development on land requires a permission of the Authority.
Physical Planning Regulations (Cap. 8.03)
These Regulations implement provisions of the Physical Planning Act concerning: An application for permission to construct, alter or extend any building; an application to subdivide land; an application for change of use of land or buildings; and miscellaneous application requirements.
Implements: Physical Planning Act (Cap. 8.03) (2013-01-01)
Montserrat Land Development Authority Act (Cap. 8.06)
This Act makes provision with respect to development of land in Montserrat and for these purposes establishes the Montserrat Land Development Authority. The Authority shall be a body corporate and shall encourage and secure the efficient and economic utilization of land vested in it or acquired by it in the interest of the people of Montserrat. The Authority shall develop land for agricultural settlement schemes in any area designated by the Governor in Council under section 18 of this Act.
Land Survey Act (Cap. 8.09).
This Act makes provision for the regulation and control of land survey practices and for this purpose establishes the Land Surveyors' Board and appoints the Chief Surveyor. The Chief Surveyor shall also direct and control all public surveys and shall be the authority for the preparation and publication of the official maps of Montserrat. The Board shall, among other things, examine, license and register surveyors and may take disciplinary measures and hear disputes. The Act sets out rules for the conduct of surveys. Only licensed Surveyors may survey land.