Since 1991, the Free Montserrat United Movement, (FMUM) has been documenting its struggle to keep alive the issue of Montserratians' right to become a Self Determined People.


The struggle is a continuation of a Movement that began in slavery, moved to a new level with "emancipation," and continued through adult suffrage.


This struggle reached its peak when the organized Union activity of the Old Labour Party through political activity, took over the reins of power with a clean sweep at the polls.  Although Self-Determination was never articulated explicitly during this period, the progressive advancement of the People in their march to control their own destiny clearly pointed in that direction.


The derailment and overthrow of the Old Labour Party destroyed the unified mass movement that had catapulted the masses unto a path destined to culminate in Self Determination for the People, had it been able to continue in the trend and direction upon which its foundation was built.

Mass organization and a mass mindset, in terms of a Path to follow and an objective to be achieved, came to an end.  A Labour Movement that evolved into a political party with mass support and political unity was shattered.

Nevertheless, the desire for Self Determination never died.  In the ensuing years, various voices, movements and organizations kept the dream alive as they articulated and revived certain thoughts and ideas through culture and history that pointed clearly, once again, in that direction.

None, however, ever gained political control of the country, as political groupings, vying for  control, kept the masses divided with choices based on personalities, rather than on ideology and  a solid national agenda for development.

Seemingly lost and confused, Montserrat’s politicians became guided by the colonial power’s policies. Consequently, the sacred right and principle of Self-Determination became an issue and objective that had to be reintroduced into the minds of the masses.

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