Why is Montserrat called the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean?

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Montserrat is known as the "Emerald Isle of the Caribbean" primarily due to its historical connection to Ireland, stemming from a formerly large population of Irish settlers who arrived on the island in the 17th century.1

The island was colonized in 1632 by Irish Catholics sent from Saint Kitts, and subsequent waves of Irish immigrants arrived from Virginia. This cultural heritage remains a significant part of the island's identity; for example, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated as an official holiday, commemorating both the island's history and a local slave revolt.32