Press Release

For Immediate Release
 
 July 29, 2005 the new book "Montserrat & Montserratians", a photo exploration of the island, was released
from the publisher. The long-awaited book has already hit the first readers in the UK and on the island.

".I love it and look at it every day. ... I can't believe how vibrant the colors came out in the photography. My hat is off to the photographer and the printer. ."- wrote Laurie Gluck, travel specialist (www.lauriegluck.4mydeals.com).

The introduction to the book provides a historical background for the images and tells about culture and traditions of Montserrat and its people. Montserrat is a unique Caribbean island that has a rich Irish and African cultural heritage.

The colourful photographs throughout the book transport you to the world of tropical trade winds, lavish greenery of the rainforest, sparkling black sand beaches, smells of fruits and spices, sounds of exotic birds and an unexplored pristine underwater world.

The second part of the book "Montserrat and Montserratians" introduces you to local lifestyle, vivid colours of carnivals, Christmas caroling, sports competitions, beauty contests and calypso singers. In a humorous and sincere way it tells about the everyday routines.

Montserrat has gone through many changes: new development of the northern section, new airport construction, new houses, and a first lady Governor. Photographs depict these historical moments in the life of a small country establishing its economy after the destructive powers of nature changed its life forever. They illustrate that even in difficult situations people didn't lose their ability to enjoy life. During all ten years of volcanic activities on the island people kept their routines and worked hard to recreate what was there for hundreds of years.

The first copies are already available at the photo exhibition " Montserrat on the Move " that is currently taking place at the Mall Galleries in London, England. "The pictures are lovely and the book captures the essence of Montserrat," says Janice Panton, Head, Montserrat Government UK.

This special edition commemorating ten years living with the volcano is in softcover, consists of 96 pages with photographs throughout.

About the Authors:
Igor Kravtchenko MBA, LPPO
His love to photography and passion to travel made him quit his engineering job and start own business few years ago. He developed his photographic skills through Ryerson University and Professional Photographers Association of Canada. Igor participates in numerous exhibitions and competitions in Canada and internationally. He received the Travel Photographer of the Year 2004 award from Caribbean Tourism Organization, Major Award of the Province of Ontario for 2004 and his images were included in National Loan Collection of Canada and NAC Group International Loan Collection. Igor traveled in over twenty countries and his images are published in various travel magazines and newspapers. Montserrat became very special because of its unique nature and the amazing friendliness of its people, and this book is a gift of his love to the island.

Howard A. Fergus KBE, PhD
is a Professor of Eastern Caribbean Studies, University of the West Indies, School of Continues Studies. Born in Montserrat, he was Speaker of Parliament between 1975 and 2001 and has been de facto Deputy Governor over period of nearly 30 years. Professor Fergus was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen in 2001. He has several articles in scholarly journals, book chapters and books to his credit and is also a published poet. His most recent publications are: Volcano Song. Poems of an Island in Agony (2000), History
of Education in the British Leeward Islands 1838-1945 (2003), Beneath the Bananas: Poems of Montserrat (2004). He has also written a major history of Montserrat.

For additional information and order please contact info@kimagic.ca and visit www.kimagic.ca
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Contact Information
Oksana Kravtchenko
belka@kimagic.ca
416-778-4628