Guernsey gives the gift of music to Montserrat

Tuesday 16 January 2024

Strong relations between the Governors of Guernsey, Jersey and Montserrat, and a historic link to the Beatles, has led to Guernsey donating instruments and sheet music to the Caribbean Island.

Violins, violas, cellos, clarinets, French horns, a drum kit, and boxes of sheet music have been donated by the Guernsey Music Service to the island of Montserrat.

It's an initiative triggered and supported by the Governors of Guernsey and Jersey and centred on the musical past of Sir George Martin, the Beatles producer, who used to live in Alderney and Montserrat at different times in his life. 

The donation will be shipped by DHL who have agreed to cover the shipping costs. They'll be received by Sir George's children and Montserrat's Governor - Sarah Tucker - at the end of January.

"Working on this initiative with Government House and the Governor’s Office in Montserrat has been an incredibly unique opportunity. We have a very strong musical education offering in Guernsey, and to be able to share that with another island which we share such a fascinating musical connection with is very exciting," said the Head of the Guernsey Music Service, Tim Wright.

"George Martin was an inspirational producer, and many of the biggest names in music recorded at his studio in Montserrat. For he and his family to connect us with Montserrat only makes this more special, particularly as Giles produced the recent Beatles release “Now and Then” which was released in November. I am certain that the donated instruments will be well received and put to good use in showing the young people of Montserrat the power of a musical education. I am excited to develop this cultural link with Montserrat and look forward to building this relationship in the future."

The Lt Governor of Guernsey, Lt General Richard Cripwell, said: "Guernsey has a remarkable musical pedigree, which has seen countless young people benefit from the Guernsey Music Service over the years. I am absolutely delighted that this collaboration between the island and Monserrat will see young people in Montserrat having access to similar opportunities. Congratulations and thank you to all involved in this project."

The Governor of Montserrat, Sarah Tucker, said: "Montserrat and Guernsey are both part of the British Family, being able to link our youth together musically is something very special for Lt General Richard Cripwell and I as the respective Governors, I am very grateful to Tim and all at the Guernsey Music Service for their support and look forward to a fruitful musical partnership in the years ahead."