VOLCANO HIT SOUTH
by Bennette Roach

Anyone reading last week's 'Volcano This Week', would have realized that up-scaled volcanic activity was imminent at Soufriere Hills with the build up that had began flowing over the Galways (mountain) wall. The growth and size of the dome had been causing the scientists to be more vigilant in their monitoring and following the weekend events they moved with haste and advised the authorities to raise the alert to Orange on Monday.

It was no surprise, as expressed by Angus Miller. Reports from the Observatory suggest, that the current collapse of the dome on the south western side of the volcano does not appear to be as serious as those in January this year, December and September last year. Most of the volcanic debris falling from the dome recently had deposited close to the base of the top of the Galways Wall. With the pyroclastic flows some debris had traveled as far as 3.2 kilometers down the Soufriere and White River, which runs from the sulphur springs at Soufriere through Galways and down through O'garros, close to Radio Antilles property, well to the South of St. Patrick's village. This followed a series of pyroclastic flows over the Galways Wall and down the White River.

Activity at the Galways Wall had eased off but picked up again later, while Dr. Angus Miller advised persons not to enter the danger areas. Meanwhile the Chief Minister, in trying to prepare residents in Weekes, Cork Hill and Richmond Hill for the worst, was unable to guarantee safe shelter should they need to move. He told them to move if they had friends and relatives to stay with in the north.

The flows have covered the Galways Soufriere, and affected the Great-Alps Water Fall as well. The activity over the Galways Wall is similar to that which occurred in Tar River and the next worry must be the possibility of similar events taking place over the Gages Wall and down towards Plymouth. Fort ghaut has been flooded over and over, but Public Works has kept to the task of keeping it cleaned.

The scientists are urging that there is a strong possibility of further escalation in activity which could lead to an explosive eruption, but which is not likely to be as big as the event on September 17.

.Dr. Jackson, referring to the flows over the Galways Wall says, "the flows are expected to stay within the river valley for some time, before possibly spilling over." He was apparently referring to the northern side of White River which would be towards the main section of St. Patrick's.

This morning however, it was reported that mud flows through Brodericks ghaut north of Galways, have actually blocked main roads in Kinsale and have flooded some houses in the area. Heavy rains in the southern unsafe area are the cause of the problem which can become more serious if the rains continue.

The scientists have said, that they will continue to vigilantly monitor the volcano while the alert level will remain at Orange for a few days, until experts completely analyze this new area of activity. There is no doubt that as long as the dome continues to grow and continue to affect the south and western side, the problem will shift seriously towards Plymouth.

The Montserrat Water Authority during this week celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Manager Margaret 'Dyer' Howe was a special guest on the programme, 'Talking Health', on Tuesday where she expressed her gratitude to the MWA staff for the diligence they have shown in helping to supply the island with water.

At an awards ceremony at the Vue Pointe Hotel employees who have been with the company for at least 25 years were honoured. The list included long serving board member, the Honourable D R V Edwards, Captain Alfred Dubbery, Lazarus Ryan, Wanford Weekes, Welchroy Silcott, David Greenaway, Rasford Cabey and Joseph Ryan. Each person was presented with a gift and a plaque.

In few remarks made by Minister of Communication and Works, Rupert Weekes, himself a former employee of Water Authority, he said, "the recipients have set examples for other Montserratians to follow."

As part of the week's activities a Quality Customer Workshop was scheduled for today.

It was conducted by the Director of the Barbados-based Center for Management and Development, Dr. Janine Comma.

During this week MWA will also release a 30 minute anniversary video highlighting various aspects of operation and maintenance of the island's water system.

There is also an ongoing radio quiz for children on Radio Montserrat.

A new crisis is on our hands, as we expected, and two weeks ago members of the opposition walked out of Legislative Council threatening to boycott future sittings of the house. This is nothing new to Montserrat and is quite common place in parliaments the world over. The issue involved may not necessarily be a simple one, since the opposition is to an appointment that is constitutional and legal.

So what then is wrong with the Governor's appointment, with the advice of the Chief Minister of a nominated member of the Legislative Council to be a minister? P. Austin Bramble served as a minister in his renowned father's government and as chief minister from 1972 to 1978, when he was completely wiped out at the polls. Since then he unsuccessfully contested at least three of the four general elections. The opposition, supported by many, takes issue with the fact, that there is at the helm a coalition government, and that a man who has failed to impress his constituents since 1978 has been appointed as a nominated member of the house, and is now a minister and a member of Executive council. They claim it to be unfair, immoral and undemocratic.

It is difficult to understand the tactics and strategy of the opposition. They must certainly know that there is some support for their view point with respect to the appointment as a nominated member, not to mention a Minister of government. Armed with the knowledge that the British government has suggested the abandonment of nominated members, assumedly on the ground that the system is abused by politicians, they have reportedly written to the Secretary of State to show support for the idea and to object to the current position in our Legislature. What exactly do they hope to achieve? Is it to have Austin Bramble's appointment reversed, by having the Constitution amended. How does boycotting the house that makes the laws achieve that? Where is the resolution that would begin such a process.

As former opposition member for Windward suggested, the Council members had to be aware, when they said yes in the house to Bramble's nomination, of the real possibility that he could become a minister. Governments in the past have appointed members of their political hierarchy as nominated members and ministers, usually on a temporary basis, but none have ever been tested and rejected at the polls.

When it suits the British government, all the dependent territories are treated as one. We note the focus of Rifkin's letter excluded some of them. In Anguilla since their last general elections the government there refused to confirm the governor's nomination to the Legislative Council. The gentleman had lost at the polls. There, it was the British Government's strong man who wanted to do the very same thing as Bertrand Osborne, although it might have been with very different sentiments. It might be then, that our opposing Council members may not find sympathy or attention from the British.

The matter is one which is left to the people of Montserrat to change. The question is when and how. At a general election? We know the circumstances which can force a general election, constitutionally due in another five years. Should the opposition get another elected member to join their ranks, that can force another election. However reliable sources say that the British Government would rather suspend the Constitution than pay for another election soon. Would that satisfy John Osborne and others? That is very doubtful, since it is likely that Executive Council would be the ones at the helm of whatever system of government is put in place.

Comparing the change of our Constitution with the fall of apartheid and such wrongs in the world seems far fetched and suggests that the opposition is not sure just how to approach the issue.

Sir,

Since I was not invited to the post walk out Press Conference at Radio Montserrat, I am personally indebted to Messrs. John Osborne, Reuben T. Meade and Brunel Meade for projecting the issue of constitutional "morality" above the ideal of constitutional purity, thereby inviting the attention I am delighted to give their pleadings.

Precisely because the gentleman, the troikas, ostentatious protestations are apparently designed to force out of a Ministerial position bears a surname not dissimilar to my own, I was reluctant to enter the bull ring of controversy. But when ex-Chief Ministers like R.T. Meade and my friend John Osborne attempt to deliberate on constitutional morality with ex-cathedra authority, it would be immoral of me to remain silent.

When British Minister Malcolm Rifkin came out against the nominated system after threatening to increase the Governor's powers to curb corruption, he was being excessively diplomatic, extremely misguided, or both.

As the Constitution stands, a member nominated on the advice of the Chief Minister can have that nomination revoked. If he holds a ministerial position he will be thrown out of the Executive and Legislative Councils. The Chief Minister who has an elected majority has the right to advise the Governor to nominate someone else. In Britain, the Prime Minister can dismiss a life peer or a hereditary peer, but with less severity. Our system is therefore infinitely more democratic than Mr Rifkin's.

When the British Government dragged international finance from John Osborne's Government in 1989 amidst allegations of incompetence and misconduct, the sweetener they threw in was the claim that they had given us a Bill of Rights. In fact, every right they gave us had been long enshrined in the Common Law. The sweetener Rifkin offered in a threat specifically designed to bind and bridle a Chief Minister he did not want was the offer of more democracy by abolishing the nominated system.

It is more than a little amusing though, to hear John Osborne, who claims he had loaded his gun to shoot the Scotland Yard detective who arrested him, protesting the ministerial appointment on the ground that "it is a slap in the face of the British". That's a laughing matter, for John Osborne had been giving the impression that should he only gain control of a revitalised Luftwaffe, he would finish off London. How is it that the same John finds himself protesting some imaginary slap in the face of the British?

On John Osborne's watch Governor Dale's memorandum highlighting significant discrepancies between Executive Council decisions and how these decisions were represented to foreign businesses forced his deputy, David Brandt, to quit the ruling party the man got a deal".

Mr. Riley's understanding of the ten commandments would be greatly improved when he takes the time to read what Malcolm X says of persons who buy stolen goods.

R T Meade's inclination to look after his close supporters has been jubilantly mentioned. But is it a tribute to Meade's constitutional morality that the testimony came from the very friend, who on Meade's behalf, submitted a very low valuation to Customs in respect of that stolen top-of-the-line BMW?

R T Meade's morality tells him that a sixty five year old man should not be employed at the Philatelic Bureau. But under R T Meade's Administration it was fine to have the Treasury continuing to pay an eight-plus year old relative of the Chief Minister for specialist social work.

When the constitutional morality of John and Reuben is placed in the balance, it is found wanting.

In an issue coming out of the third annual meeting of National Disaster Co-ordinators of the British Dependent Territories (BDT's), Montserrat has been asked to lead the way in shelter management for those territories in the Caribbean.

National Disaster Co-ordinator Juliette Brade participated in the March 20 and 21 meeting in Anguilla and according to Miss Brade, Montserrat has been given until the end of August to put together a project proposal for shelter management in the dependent territories.

She says the meeting also looked at areas of collaboration between the five BDT's, Anguilla, Bermuda, Tortola, Cayman Islands and Montserrat, so they can draw on the resources of each other.

Miss Brade says four main areas were pinpointed in the 1997 work programme for future collaboration.

These include hazard mitigation, shelter management, emergency operations, telecommunications and public information, education and training.

The next meeting of National Disaster Co-ordinators of the BDT's will be held in Bermuda next year.

The Montserrat National Trust has a challenging year ahead financially.

At its recent Annual General Meeting the trust focused on the need to formulate aggressive fund-raising plans.

President Sarita Francis says in order to meet its commitments this year, the Trust has to face its challenges with a lot of dedication.

But despite its financial constraints the National Trust has undertaken an ambitious project for 1997.

The non-profit organization has identified a building for its alternative headquarters in the safe zone.

Olveston House which was recently restored, is 7,300 square feet and would be used primarily as the trust headquarters and gift shop.

It is hoped that it will also house a number of offices including the Tourist Board and the Montserrat Philatelic Bureau. MNT Business Manager Bob Burbank says the building will also accommodate other essential facilities.

His Excellency Governor Frank Savage has commended the Montserrat National Trust for its valiant efforts amidst an uncertain and unpredictable crisis.

Governor Savage was speaking at the annual general meeting of the Trust, he made special mention of the organization's ability to pull together as a team, creating a resilient force.

The St. Patrick's Co-operative Credit Union kicked off its 40th anniversary celebrations on Easter Monday with a fun day at the Salem park.

The activities began the morning, and included events such as races and family relays.

The fun day is also a sign that the St. Patrick's Credit Union, with over 3,000 members, continues to survives despite the odds.

The indigenous organization, like many other institutions on Montserrat, has been affected by the volcano which has forced it to relocate to the north.

President Bennette Roach says the loyalty of its members has enabled the Credit Union to stay on its feet.

The volcanic crisis on Montserrat was the center of regional attention on the airwaves.

People from around the region were updated on the situation here by a live television and radio broadcast from Barbados, facilitated by the Caribbean Broadcasting Union and the Caribbean News Agency.

Chief Minister the Honourable Bertrand Osborne used the opportunity to ask for more support for Montserrat.

He told the listening audience he will accept calls for donations at his office in Montserrat.

The Chief Minister also made a special appeal to Caricom members to assist in developing a village for the people of Long Ground, an idea which had been taken to Caricom by Minister Adelina Tuitt.

Leaders at their last intercessional meeting in Antigua had pledged their support for what has been dubbed a 'Caricom Village' in the north of the island.

Osborne says the programme will involve about 75 houses for approximately 300 people.

Guyana has already promised building materials, and the logistics are being worked out to get them to Montserrat.

The programme was hosted by Communications Specialist at the Caricom Secretariat Salas Hamilton.

Other panelists included director of the EOC, Franklyn Michael, coordinator of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency, Jeremy Collymore, and Deputy Secretary General of Caricom, Orlando Marville.

The programmed was aired on radio and television through out the Caribbean. It's objective was to sensitize the region about the situation here and to solicit technical and material assistance for the island.

A 10-man contingent of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force left Montserrat on Tuesday to form a platoon with their Antiguan and Kittitian counterparts to begin training in Puerto Rico. They are about to learn American Army tactics and the platoon will first spend five days in Antigua on familiarization course before leaving for Puerto Rico

Next Monday via a Hercules Aircraft. In Puerto Rico the British trained platoon will be taught a few American war and survival tactics by American Army officials.

These tactics include attacks, ambush, map and compass exercises and field craft.

The platoon will then travel to Grenada for Phase 4 of the Tradewinds exercise, where they will practice their newly learnt American skills.

A spokesman from the RMDF says the absence of the 10 of their men should not severely affect the operations of the Force during this time of heightened volcanic activity.

The Ministry of Education has taken steps to develop a social studies curriculum for kindergarten.

Eleven teachers are participating in the three-day curriculum development workshop,

Resource persons for the workshop are Ministry officials and kindergarten teachers and primary school head teachers.

Curriculum Coordinator Gracelyn White says the new curriculum will contain activities and strategies for teaching, learning and educating.

She says on completion, the Ministry is expected to have a more relevant and meaningful social studies curriculum for kindergarten that can be more readily integrated in other subject bases.

Mrs. White says this latest workshop is part of the ongoing process of meeting the Ministry's goals and objectives of providing the best quality education for Montserratians.

The work of Officers at Her Majesty's Prison will be strengthened with the arrival here of a Principal Prison Officer from the Cayman Islands, Glenroy Binns.

Mr. Binns will be attached to the prison here for two months as part of an ongoing programme between Dependent Territories in the Caribbean. The programme was agreed upon at a mutual support meeting for Superintendents of Prisons from the BDT's.

Mr. Binns' stint is funded by the Dependent Territories Regional Secretariat in conjunction with the government of Montserrat. While here he will assist in all aspects of prison duties and training.

Mr. Binns is no stranger to Montserrat having served a one month stint at the Prison here in January.

One of the island's stalwart businesses have succumbed to the pressures of a failing economy, caused by the volcanic crisis. M.S. Osborne Ltd., has officially closed its supermarket retail section.

The announcement was made by a spokesperson for the company who says the closure of the supermarket section was unavoidable, but says other sections such as the insurance and car dealership, continue to function.

According to the spokesman the wholesale and appliances section is still operational at the Vue Pointe.

Among the reasons for the shutdown are a reduced market and the location of the supermarket in Old Town, which is not readily accessible to many people.

Along with the shutdown the company was also forced to make six workers redundant.

It is hoped that a re-occupation of Plymouth will allow the company to resume its retail service.

M.S. Osborne Ltd. which became a household name since the 1950's, has been a prominent part of Montserrat's economy for decades.

Concerns have been expressed about the high cost of rent Government is paying for office accommodation in the safe zone.

The authorities are now seeking a solution to the problem. Government Offices are scattered over the Salem, Olveston, and Old Town area, and according to reports a medium-to long term solution is being developed for submission to the Dependent Territories Secretariat.

However there is no guarantee that the British Government will finance a long-term solution.

According to officials a questionnaire will be formulated and sent to all departments for further information.

Montserrat beat St. Kitts last night in the first round of the 1997 Leewards Islands Schools Debate, which is taking place in the Valley, Anguilla. Montserrat opposing the topic "The Key to the AIDS Crisis in the Caribbean Region is to be found in immorality rather than in science." Rhianna Meade was first speaker, followed by Denise Silcott, who was voted best speaker for the night.

Other topics of the competition will be, "Poverty is the root of crime" in the next round, and the last topic for debate is "Caribbean Integration is only Political Rhetoric." Members of the debating team are Rhianna Meade, Denise Silcott, Cindy Johnson, Norweana Thomas, and reserve Sheryl Bramble. They are accompanied by Ms. Elcia Daniel, Herman Francis and Collin Riley. Other Participants in the debate are Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, and host Anguilla.

They're back! Plenty Plenty Yac Ya Ya, Montserrat's premier satirical ensemble is taking on "The Mountain " big time. Performance writers/artists A-dZiko Simba and Chadd Cumberbatch, along with composer/musical director Hodge Daley (original music), have put together a satirical review called "Ash" which will premiere on April 12 and 13 in the Pelican Room of the Vue Pointe Hotel. Anne Marie Dewar is producer. The cast of five, with a support crew of ten will present a series of sketches that cut across all segments of Montserrat society.

The string of sketches is united by the common theme of people coping each in his or her own way with the volcanic crisis. A clever parody of local radio programming provides the structural framework of the show.

Anyone who has seen A-dZkio and Chadd perform before will not be surprised at their amazing ability to create characters of all ages, colors, and genders. And they do this sheerly by their own creative versatility, relying on minimal props and costumes.

Irreverent and sassy, with keen eyes and ears, they capture the essence of each character they portray. And what a gallery of roles and rogues! You will meet thinly disguised local politicians and musicians; scientists; real estate agents and merchants, expats of various persuasions; evacuees who have left the island, and those who have relocated to relatives or shelters. If you belong to any of the above groups, leave any thin skins at home and come prepared to laugh a lot and cry a little as these folks come alive on stage.

You will meet some unforgettable characters: "Cheese", whose conspiratorial theories reach new heights of imagination; "Maybelline" , Montserrat's own Martha Stewart; "The Deal Lady" . spaced out shelteree; and "Sam Stone", soul singer extraordinaire are only a few.

Come and help Plenty Plenty celebrate the spirit of not only surviving, but prevailing in this trouble time Remember, laughter is often the best medicine, and sometimes we laugh through our tears.

When the Montserrat under 19 boys beat St. Kitts by 74 runs in their final match in the East Caribbean Flour Mills Youth Caribbean Tournament in St. Croix, they became the 1997 Leeward Islands Under 19 cricket champions.

Set a meager 129 runs to win. St. Kitts was dismissed for 55 runs in the first final overs being bowled in the last hour on the second and final day.

Tyrone Greenaway (picture at left) with 1 for 8, Norris Gerald 4 for 19 and Everton Johnson 2 for 8. Greenaway was named the most valuable player for they tournament with 274 runs, an average of 54.8 and 20 wickets for 208 runs and an average of 10.4 runs per wicket.

The Montserrat youngsters returned home to a VIP reception at W H Bramble airport, where they were greeted by a very appreciate crowd of well-wishers, including the Chief Minister and Mr. Rupert Weekes, the acting Minister of Sports.

In a short champagne ceremony chaired by secretary Beresford Lewis, he cited some of the outstanding achievements of members of the team and praised coach Sammy Kirnon and manager Colin Riley. He recalled that it was in 1989 when Montserrat last won the championship.

Both Osborne and Weekes gave brief welcome home remarks, reminding the players that it was just a start and they should keep training, continue the spirit and hope that one day soon some of them would be among the champion team that win the senior Leeward Islands tournament.

• Montserrat 2 wins, 2 draws - 44 points;
• Antigua 4 draws - 28 points;
• Anguilla 1 win 3 draws - 28 points ;
• St.Kitt's 2 draws 2 losses - 12 points;
• Nevis 3 draws 1 loss - 20 points.

The West Indies pulled off a stunning victory over India in the third test at the Kensington Oval.

Needing 120 to victory India was skittled out for 81.

The West Indies victory brought back memories on the same ground in 1992 when South Africa's march towards victory was stopped by Curtly Ambrose and company.

This time India resumed on two without loss, chasing just about 120 on wicket giving plenty assistance to the fast bowlers.

They never looked like achieving their target once Franklyn Rose had opener Sihdu caught off a short lifting ball. From then it was a steady procession to and from the pavillion, and at Lunch India had slumped to 62 for 7.

When Ian Bishop bowled Garnish with a yorker to end the innings it sparked spontaneous celebrations as hundreds of spectators ran on to the field.

Bishop took four for 22, Ambrose three for 36, and Rose three for 19.

It was also an impressive performance by Brian Lara in his first game as captain of the West Indies.

The victory means West Indies has taken a one-nil lead in the five-match series.

The fourth Test begins in Antigua today.

Scores: West Indies 298 and 140; India 319 and 81.

The man of the match Shivnerine Chanderpaul who scored a brilliant 137 not out in the West Indies first innings.

For those people with access to the Internet and who are part of the Montserrat Group, which is managed by Tony Glazer, called The Electronic Evergreen, courtesy of GEM Radio Network, they would have seen with varying interest a discussion on the "current" garbage situation in Montserrat.

From time to time there are similar discussions on matters supposedly in the interest of Montserrat, such as exporting extract from the Neem tree from Montserrat, the problem of 'pit toilets' at the shelters and so on.

Many Montserratians would not be aware of these discussions and it is my intention from time to time to introduce them to some of them.

Here are excerpts from some of the persons involved in the recent discussion which is still going on, and this is how it began:

Prior to the 1995 Volcanic eruptions, housing in Montserrat was scarcely surpassed in the region. But the overcrowding of evacuation reminds one of an earlier time. In 1942, according to the Frank Stockdale Report, the population was 15,116 or just about double what it is today.

The general quality of housing was described as "poor" and as "a social evil". The average family, especially in the country districts, lived in a dilapidated one-room wooden hut measuring, in some cases, 6 feet by 8 feet. They slept huddled together with no separation of the sexes and no privacy. At Trials, for instance, eight adults and six children lived in a house 7 feet by 10 feet in a bad state of repair.

I've hung my harp of independence

up on a wiser tree than willow

an interlude of silence until I hear

leaves playing again in the lea of chance

harmony budding among birds of prey

and politics, who bicker over bills

of right and power; until Soufriere

ash has gone to dust my 6-P hoe

no longer rusts but rings a self-

sufficient melody on earth

then I might harp on independence

Shy, young, well-kept, ambitious, this 17 year-old from St. Peter’s is an up and coming star in the cricket arena. Zhuan Sweeney, an extremely talented batsman in the Under-19 cricket team, is already Vice Captain. He was selected for this position in April last year.

Sweeney, a fifth former at Montserrat Secondary School, first started cricket back in 1991 with the Under-12 cricket team managed and coached by Victor Cabey.

Now under the guidance of his coach Sammy Kirnon, Zhuan practices on weekends and is grateful towards his coach for helping him to develop in his weak areas. His love for cricket started when he used to watch his uncle and former Montserrat and Leeward Islands Youth opener Franklyn Williams play.

Sweeney attends school on the second shift from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. He is determined and optimistic that one day he would make it in the same team where the ‘big boys’ play - the West Indies Team.

Because of heavy involvement with cricket and traveling for the Under-19 and Senior Montserrat teams, Zhuan has learned to strike a happy balance between the game and his education. When asked if cricket affects his education negatively, Zhuan responds, "Not a great deal. I catch up by going to extra classes two days a week, putting two hours into each session. And I also utilise my spare time by studying."

John and Edith Sweeney, the proud parents of Zhuan, fully support their son.

"I am very proud of my son to see that he has reached this far and I am very happy for him. I make sure that I attend most of his games to root for him," says Edith.

He has travelled to various Caribbean islands including Antigua, Anguilla, Nevis, and St. Kitts. In 1996, when he made the Leeward Islands Under-19 team, the matches were played in Jamaica. Zhuan performed creditably and at age 16, in his first tournament, he recorded the highest score of 53 against the Windward Islands.

The Montserrat Under-19 Team returned from St. Croix after 12 days, where Zhuan was among the stars that put Montserrat in a winning position, taking the championship

Over the Easter weekend the activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano escalated with major pyroclastic flows down both the White River Valley to the south of the dome and the Tar River Valley to the east of the dome. The major flows came over the Galways Wall, which caused a huge chute, about 80 metres deep, to be cut into the wall. The material traveled down the White River Valley for a distance of almost 4 kilometers and has filled in the upper reaches of the valley. The old Galways Soufriere has been filled over and the Great Alps Waterfall has also been filled in.

The ash clouds associated with the pyroclastic flows reached as high as 10,000 feet and the prevailing winds blew the ash to the west, causing ash fall outs in Plymouth and points south, Richmond Hill, Cork Hill, Delvins, Weekes, St. George's Hill, Isles Bay Hill, Old Towne, Olveston, Salem and Woodlands.

The seismic stations have for the most part recorded mainly rock fall and pyroclastic flow signals; however there have been some long period, hybrid and volcano-tectonic earthquakes recorded during the week. Mid week there was a major regional earthquake recorded by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO). This measured about 5.4 on the Richter Scale and was close to Trinidad.

Mid week also saw some mud flows down Fort Ghaut in the relocated capital Plymouth. This followed a period of rains in the mountains. Volcanic debris has filled the Ghaut to about 50% of its capacity and once again the Government's Public Works Dept. will be faced with cleaning away the debris.

During the Easter weekend the alert was raised to ORANGE and this meant that residents in Zone D were asked to leave and relocate. This included the residents of Richmond Hill. There is now no nighttime occupancy of Zones A,B,C, and D, with only short visits for essentials in Zones C and D. Zones A and B are no-go areas at all times. Police checkpoints were also moved back to positions at Trants, St. George's Hill, and at the junction of Cork Hill Road and General Turning Road.

Ash levels are extremely high at the present time and scientists at the MVO and Health officials have been advising residents to wear their ash masks which are available free of charge from local Public Health Clinics.

On Thursday night MVO scientists hosted a call-in programme on ZJB Radio to answer questions from the public about the current status of the volcano. The programme generated good discussions and it is hoped that this will become a regular feature.

Jus wonderin how much improvement has taken place in the shelters after one full year of relocation.

Jus wonderin if the English man is buying property on Isle's Bay Hill.

Jus wonderin if the general public is a lot more comfortable with the way things are being handled at the MVO.

Jus wonderin why so many police officers are praying for July to come quickly.

Jus wonderin if congratulations are in order for our Under 19 cricket team, coach and manager, for winning the Leeward Island.

Jus wonderin if the volcano will only quiet down when the skeleton of the Amerindian is returned to the grave site at Trants in June.

Jus wonderin if the moon has something to do with our active volcano or volcanoes in general.

Jus wonderin if the volcanic activity should shift to the area over the Gages Wall if Plymouth will disappear like our Great Alps Waterfall. And I can't help wonderin if the distance from the Gages Wall to Plymouth is not much shorter than the distance from the volcano to Tar River Delta or Bantin in St. Patrick's.

Jus wonderin if the North is really safe.

Jus wonderin who is really in charge of the EOC.

Jus wonderin if communication between the MVO and the public will not improve drastically if they publish pictures and other information in the Reporter, now that the Local TV Station is no longer in operation.

Jus wonderin when will we have another call in program on radio by members from the MVO.

Jus wonderin if our local radio station is now censored by some politician.

Jus can't help wonderin again, when will the police or the authorities do something about the sale of drugs in Salem.

Jus wonderin if things are so hard in the force that police are now taking bread out of the Taxi Men Mouth.

Jus' wonderin' why so many young women are getting pregnant.

The Montserrat Building Society Limited Is Now Making Loans Available To Purchase Land For Residential And Commercial Properties.

Get More Information from the Offices in Palm Loop.

Opening Hours: (During Relocation)

• Monday-Thursday - 8:30a.m. - 2:00p.m.
• Friday - 8:30a.m. - 3:00p.m.

 FOR SALE

Vacancy - Financial Controller

We are a small but growing airline requiring a highly motivated, organized individual who will be responsible for the production of timely, accurate management accounts.

Reporting both to the President and the Board, the successful candidate should also be able to advise senior management on a wide range of financial issues.

CGA, CMA or ACCA designation preferred but not essential. Please direct resumes along with salary expectation to:

Only suitable applicants will be acknowledged.

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