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Spring Break in Montserrat

April 2025

An unforgettable journey exploring history, resilience, and connection in the Caribbean.

 

Over spring break, nine young people from our foster care and residential programs embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Caribbean island of Montserrat. As a follow-up to our 2023 Sankofa Experience in Ghana, this trip deepened our youths’ connection to the African diaspora through history, service, adventure, and reflection. From hiking in lush forests to witnessing the power of the Soufrière Hills Volcano, each day uncovered lessons in resilience, culture, and self-discovery.

Day 1: Traveling to Montserrat

April 12, 2025
The adventure began with a flight from New York to Antigua, followed by charter flights to Montserrat on tiny 6-seat planes—an anxiety-inducing but empowering experience for many. The group arrived at Simon’s Rock Field Station, their home base for the week, and connected with local guides.

L to R: The group boarding at JFK; Mr. Thompson, Ms. Sanchez, Reuben, Donovan and Mr. Sooknanan posing with a member of the
FlyMontserrat flight crew before boarding the transfer from Antigua to Montserrat.

Day 2: Hiking to Fox's Bay

April 13, 2025
The group hiked from Garibaldi Hill to Fox’s Bay Beach, exploring abandoned neighborhoods lost to the volcano’s aftermath. Alongside the Montserrat National Trust, youth learned about the island’s flora, fauna, and environmental history, ending with a refreshing swim.

Hiking from Garibaldi Hill to Fox’s Bay with local community members and guides.

Day 3: Plymouth’s Buried City & Volcano Observatory

April 14, 2025
A trip to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory provided insight into the island’s dramatic geological history. Youth explored Plymouth, the former capital, now buried under volcanic ash, and witnessed sand mining operations that represent the island’s economic resilience.

The group outside the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, view of the volcano from the north side in the background.

Clockwise from top left: At the Garibaldi Hill observation point discussing Montserrat’s history and status with SRFS Assistant Director Lyston Skerritt; taking a walking tour of the buried city of Plymouth in the exclusion zone with Jermaine of Fabulous Tours; the ruins of a restaurant formerly owned by Montserratian soca legend Alphonsus “Arrow” Cassell in the center of Plymouth.

Day 4: Service at Lookout Primary School

April 15, 2025
Youth partnered with local volunteers to paint and improve Lookout Primary School, learning about the region’s education system. The day ended with beach time at Woodlands Beach and dinner at the historic Olveston House.

Clockwise from Top L: EJ and Moises preparing the wall surface for painting; Mr. Sooknanan touching up the exterior gate of Lookout Primary School; Montserrat’s Chief Statistician and National Trust member Siobhan Tuitt joining the effort; group dinner at Olveston House.

Day 5: Sea-Kayaking & Snorkeling

April 16, 2025
Led by Veta Wade of Fish n’ Fins, the group kayaked to Rendezvous Beach, Montserrat’s only white-sand beach, and snorkeled on the nearby reef. Despite initial nerves, every youth embraced the experience—growing in confidence in open water.

Rendezvous Beach, the only white sand beach on Montserrat. The group traveled by kayak from Little Bay around the rocky point seen in this photo before snorkeling in the bay.
Exploring a reef in the bay at Rendezvous Beach.

Day 6: Exploring Montserrat’s East & Heritage Sites

April 17, 2025
The day included panoramic views from Jack Boy Hill, a visit to the National Museum, and a tour of the Botanical Gardens. Youth tasted medicinal plants and connected with Montserratian heritage. Foster parent Ms. Bramble, originally from Montserrat, gave a personal tour of her family’s history.

Clockwise from Top L / Previous Page: Anteaus trying out a piano in the National Museum; Ryan with his foster mother, Ms.Bramble, at Nadine’s Jerk Shack; touring the Botanical Gardens at the Montserrat National Trust. Below: Ms. Colin and Johnathan enjoying fresh coconuts.

Day 7: Good Friday Boat Tour & Cooking Lessons

April 18, 2025
Local fisherman Eddie Buffonge led a boat tour of the island’s southern coast, sharing his firsthand experience of the volcanic eruption. The youth also learned to cook traditional dishes like ginger beer and coconut pastries with Chef Toni.

L to R: Ms. Colin and Moises with Eddie Buffonge on his boat; Johnathan shows off a barracuda caught off the south coast of Montserrat.

 

L to R: Reuben, Donovan, Ms. Sanchez, Chef Toni, Arna and Anteaus making Jamaican coconut pastries at the Simon’s Rock Field Station.

Day 8: Hiking to the Dry Waterfall & Futsal Finals

April 19, 2025
Youth hiked through Montserrat’s forests to the Dry Waterfall, encountering endangered species like the Montserrat Oriole. The day ended with beach time and cheering on local teams at the futsal championship game.

The entire group visiting Ms. Bramble’s family home in Davy Hill. L to R: Mr. Collins, Johnathan, Mr. Sooknanan, Ms. Colin, Ryan, Reuben (behind flowers), Ms. Bramble, Donovan, Arna, Mr. Thompson, Antony, Anteaus, EJ and Moises.
Clockwise from Top: The group hikes past a large tree that has fallen and fused with another tree; our guide Lloyd is on right; the group under Dry Waterfall L to R: Mr. Sooknanan, Mr. Collins, Johnathan, Ryan, Arna, Reuben, Antony, Ms. Colin, Mr. Thompson; hiking through the woods.

Day 9: Easter Sunday & Farewell Dinner

April 20, 2025
The group attended Easter Mass at St. Martin de Porres Church, explored a local radio station, and watched cricket in Little Bay. A farewell dinner capped off the trip, with youth receiving Eastern Caribbean Dollar coins as keepsakes.

L to R: Ms. Sanchez, Mr. Sooknanan and Ryan with other parishioners at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church in Salem.

Top: Ms. Sanchez and Anteaus try their hand at broadcasting. Bottom: An incredible double rainbow appeared over the SRFS on Easter Sunday.

Day 10: Returning Home

April 21, 2025
After heartfelt goodbyes to local friends and guides, the group returned to New York—carrying new memories, lessons, and aspirations.

Clockwise from Top L: Chef Toni and EJ on departure day; Johnathan, Moises, Ryan and Mr. Collins aboard the FlyMontserrat charter during the return trip; the sign at Runaway Ghaut, a crystal clear natural spring where local legend says that all who drink the water will one day return to Montserrat.
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