(dependent territory of the UK)
Government
Name of country:
conventional long form:
none
conventional short form:
Montserrat
Data code:
MH
Type of government:
dependent territory of the UK
Capital:
Plymouth
Administrative divisions:
3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter's
Independence:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
National holiday:
Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday of June)
Constitution:
present constitution came into force 19 December 1989
Legal system:
English common law and statute law
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Frank SAVAGE (since NA February 1993) was appointed by the queen
head of government:
Chief Minister Reuben T. MEADE (since NA October 1991)
cabinet:
Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief minister, three other ministries, the attorney general, and the finance secretary
Legislative branch:
unicameral
Legislative Council:
elections last held 8 October 1991 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (11 total, 7 elected) NPP 4, NDP 1, PLM 1, independent 1
Judicial branch:
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia)
Political parties and leaders:
National Progressive Party (NPP), Reuben T. MEADE; People's Liberation Movement (PLM), Noel TUITT; National Development Party (NDP), Bertrand OSBORNE
International organization participation:
Caricom, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, WCL
Diplomatic representation in US:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
US diplomatic representation:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
Flag:
blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms features a woman standing beside a yellow harp with her arm around a black cross
