By Bennette Roach
Devastation in the village of Harris'
Below is the same area two weekes before
One of the conditions the British Governor of Montserrat and the local Government never wanted to exist, is that they would ever have to report that lives were lost as a direct result of volcanic activity in Montserrat.
On the night of July 18, 1995, residents not far away from Soufriere Hills could hear what they later described as roaring sounds like those that come from jet planes, and it was soon realised by all that a volcano that lay in waiting at English Crater in Soufriere Hills had come alive.
Soon after from several and continuous radio broadcasts, and interviews from scientists, the Governor and the Chief Minister, his office and the offices of the Emergency Operating Centre (EOC), we were to learn that there has always been this volcano, that there have been activities at approximately 30 - 35 year intervals since the turn of this century; that there has been studies, one as recent as the mid 80s, which suggested that there will be serious activities around this time.
No attention whatever was paid to these facts and so here we were in July, less than a month under two years ago, with an erupting volcano and every resident as ignorant as ever to the dangers that this could pose for Montserrat. Since that time it has been a down hill battle, which may has not yet culminated, but which has now directly claimed the lives of at least 10 people with more almost certain to be confirmed, when the ash becomes cool enough to be cleared in some way.
Home demolished by the power and volume of the flow
June 25, 1997 will be long remembered as the worst day of the volcano (I hope), because lives were lost. And the question that is being asked, "Could this have been avoided?" Amazingly, the homes in Long Ground are still standing untouched but for the September 17 last year’s eruption. It may well be that the Tar River valley is their protection or perhaps it is early yet.
MVO Reports
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) report for that morning read as follows: The latest earthquake swarm has just reached a peak, with 4 or 5 earthquakes occurring every minute. At the time of highest activity, the hybrid earthquakes could more accurately be described as continuous tremor. There have been several small pyroclastic flows in Mosquito Ghaut in the last hour. Observations of the dome last night showed that the top of Mosquito Ghaut is the only active area of the dome at the moment, as the focus of activity has switched from the eastern side to the north in the last few days.
Further pyroclastic flow activity is expected, and the high level of activity means that these flows could happen at any time and be larger than before. The current area of activity makes Mosquito Ghaut the most likely pathway, but further flows in Gages, Tuitt’s or Tar River are probable as well."
The following recently became a standard part of the report: Bramble Airport remains operational, but the public are reminded that it is open only for essential travel purposes. The sirens will be tested as usual this afternoon."
Now following is the evening report following the disaster: "An intense swarm of hybrid earthquakes began at 11 am, and rapidly escalated to repetitive events which merged into continuous tremor after 12:15 p.m. At about 1 p.m. major pyroclastic flow activity began in Mosquito Ghaut, which generated an ash cloud to over 30,000 ft within minutes. The flow traveled into Farms River to Trants Bridge. Down river of Bramble the flows fanned out into Bethel and Spanish Point almost to the sea. On the northern side Farms and Trants villages were affected, and the surge reached to Trants bridge. A total of at least 2 square kilometers of land was covered by the pyroclastic flow and surge.
The lower half of Harris village was also impacted, and an ash surge traveled from the Farrell’s area down to the west at least as far as Dyers, and into the upper reaches of Dyer’s Ghaut. There was no activity in the Gages valley during the afternoon.
During the time of the reported activities above, there were people tending their animals and gardens in the Farrell’s and surrounding areas, some of whom perished; there were people in Harris’ and areas way down to Trants, Bethel and Spanish Pointe, Bramble village etc. who were either visiting their properties or living there. Except for those properties on the perimeter of Mosquito Ghaut in Harris’, individuals were able to avoid the fury of the ash surge from the flow by moving to even higher grounds, but not those in the other areas which were all on lower ground and not far from the ghaut which became more shallow as it nears the sea.
So that just as the report above described, confirmed by the eye witness account of Roy ‘Slim’ Daley from Bramble village who was in Harris’ at the time. He said: "I saw the surges coming back up the hill from the pyroclastic flows, which moved at incredible speed down towards Farms and Trants, breaking over the walls at Brambles and rushing down towards Spanish Pointe through Bethel."
Fatalities
Soon we were to hear the calls of the authorities for persons to advise them of persons who were known to have been in the areas for one reason another. Both the Governor and the Chief Minister appeared on radio to tell the nation about the rescue efforts that were underway, never admitting then that there might be fatalities following the activities.
But having seen the results of the forerunning pyroclastic flows, I was certain that the persons who I discovered were in their homes or in the area, had met an unfortunate end.
Other than the sketchy and well monitored reports that came from Government Information Unit (GIU) and ZJB, the rest of the local media was reduced to press conferences which were cut short and severely limited by interviewees who gave much too long answers, having been denied views from the helicopter or access to the area other than the rest of the general public was entitled to.
By the end of the following day, the admission of fatalities was announced and the count grew each day from four to ten by Monday. It was on Saturday when the CM came close to saying that there may be more dead who are still difficult to get to because of the still searing hot ash that lay deposited on the ground.
THE DISASTER
Helcopters involved in the search and rescue missions
I was finally afforded a trip to look at the damage done on Wednesday by EMAD, on a helicopter which is one of four helicopters brought in from different sources to aid the ‘search and rescue’ effort.
The trip was not like any I’ve had and did not afford me the opportunity for detail as I rode with David Brandt and 2 others, plus Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) camera man and video cameras. with another from Trinidad. It was only a 20-minute trip, far too short.
However, the devastation is much greater than I imagined. The lands (forest) between Tuitts and Mosquito Ghauts is no more. Although not filled with material the pyroclastic was extremely powerful as it left the volcano and that’s when the surge immediately went over Farrells and down Streatham and accross Windy Hill. The Farrells estate house is completely gone and so is Mandy’s garage on the corner below the grave yard. It went through the bottom of Windy Hill and well across and into the ghaut beyond.
Escapee
One eye witness woman who escaped and who eventually went back to collect money she left in a vehicle, found it, but had walked through Water Works, retracing her steps to get to it. She said she had to go reap the carrots, because she was under so much pressure from government to supply vegetables to shelters.
She got the money but the vehicle she had to leave. She described the flow that she saw as like "sweet oil" running down the hill, noting how the flow backed up when the heat.
Looking down on the Harris’ road Mosquito ghaut is next to it. The surge reached across the road to the Police Station and burnt all those houses including the Church. These were not completely demolished but nevertheless destroyed, from the Morgan’s house down the hill towards farm, then there is one mass of destruction down through Farms, Bethel, Spanish Pointe, Trants.
Since that of course more flows and reports have stated that more damage was done in Harris’. I could see the walls of some of the houses in Farms, Bramble village and Spanish Pointe, but it is obvious that truly there may be about 10 feet of material lying on the lands.
Trants village was completely demolished, hardly recognised any walls standing and it did seem such a vast area.
I saw how the flow over Farrells ran down and into the top of Belham.
I can now report that for Plymouth, we can expect worse to come along, it already looks a disaster. The flows that have been going down Gages and Fort Ghaut seemed to have damaged houses high up on the Gages corner and down the fringes of the ghaut. The Catholic convent and infant school and even the Church are now like the rest of the property in that vicinity are now in line for certain disaster as long as flows continue. At the foot of Gages mountain, the ghauts as I can remember are somewhat shallow, so that serious flows are likely to spread early over to Amersham as it has reportedly done.
I hardly had time for any detail or even good photographs as I was shooting through the helicopter sealed windows. Looking at the photographs, I do not remember where the various scenes are, and I was unable to make notes.
The helicopters are being operated from Geralds and joining them is that from the British navy ship.
By Bennette Roach
In response to the loss of the airport, for travel out of Montserrat, a ferry boat operation has begun well and EMAD, who are in charge of the ferry, helicopter services and fuel are funding all this. They are underwriting the expenses of the ferry service and are hoping that government will earn some revenue from the service.
Waiting for the ferry at Little Bay
The ferry service is on a trial basis for the first week and it is being handled on this end by Montserrat Aviation Services (MAS), and Carib World Travel on the other end in Antigua.
With regards to the fuel situation, which became a scarce commodity over the last few days, since access to fuel at Texaco and Delta in Plymouth was prohibited, it is reported that successful arrangements have been made for fuel to be delivered at Carrs Bay in appropriate tanks.
BARONESS SYMMONS SECOND TIME ROUND
By Bennette Roach
While Baroness Symons during her recent visit has said that there doesn't exist a cut-off point at which Britain will stop giving aid to Montserrat, this came right on the heels of the Governor's statement to BBC radio, that if the population went below 4,000 we would have to consider the viability of the island as a community.
The Baroness said that the thought of off-island evacuation is not even remotely in the back of her mind. She was speaking at another extremely brief interview session with local and foreign press at the Vue Pointe Hotel which lasted scandalously less than 15 minutes, and moderated by the Governor himself. It is impossible to believe that the Baroness or someone else is not seriously avoiding questions from the press, or providing only that information to the public which they wish to give.
She spent more than 10 minutes of this time recounting what happened last Wednesday and telling the press that they have put a ferry service in place, as well as a helicopter service soon to come; the roads will be looked after immediately; the hospital service must be improved, referring to the plan to build a new hospital; the difficulty experienced with housing which for the time being provided "improper privacy" and the facilitating of fuel storage at Carrs Bay.
She expressed how she will attempt to secure more aid and spoke of how impressed she was at the way Montserratians were dignified even in the circumstances.
In the very short period of answering questions, she said that her government will be looking favourably at the two-year period of evacuees from Montserrat.
It is doubtful how much this trip really proved, but she did confirm that the government had been making a case for speeding up the aid process.
The Reporter had other questions for the Baroness, such as the land purchase question. We wanted to ask what the restrictions were to Montserrat receiving aid from countries like Israel and others. We wanted to ask what facilities were sought from the US government for those who wished to temporarily relocate with relatives in the USA.
We wanted to know why with the kind of speed required to get our development in motion why the red tape.
By Bennette Roach
In every tragic disaster like this when people die and especially, where elapsed time is involved, certainly questions must be asked, why did it happen? Could it have been avoided? Can it happen again?
Each day the scientists deliver reports that are carefully written and delivered as we understand, after consensus opinion by those concerned. In themselves they are great and in addition, following a great sense of desire and belief that the public should be more informed and educated, the scientists, not too long ago began appearing sometimes twice a day to give MVO updates and answer a question or two from the announcer on duty at ZJB. In addition to this there have been other programs, some call-in and otherwise.
This is what former head scientist Lloyd Lynch had to say quite some while ago, attempting to initiate a more positive information program: "It is a three-way affair, the public, scientists and the managing authorities. They have to work hand in hand. As far as the public is concerned when it is time to take evasive action, the public will find it hard to do, because it involves the initiation of some kind of action that will lead to further hardship.
"So the public has to be motivated in some way to go in the same direction in which you are going. The thing that will provide the motivation is a clearer understanding of what is happening, so we need to provide the information at all times and make sure that it is not ambiguous. Sometimes even the person who is giving the message is important."
But something was always lacking, although the scientists were always available for interview, attempts to get discussion with them on radio with other interested parties, were always ignored and their desire as well as others to have some television program that would put more clearly into the minds of the public, the relation of the volcano to the rest of the island, the serious dangers of ignoring the scientists' explanations and warnings, have always been ignored and given very little priority.
Governor Savage had this to say about the matter. "I do share the concern.I do believe that the MVO has got footage which could have made a greater impact on the community."
Indeed it was pointed out by the Governor, that one could not force people to move away from the danger areas, and so he made references to criticisms, according to him, "for using language, which locally people thought was insensitive, because I was trying to raise the profile of the danger. The Chief Minister did say that he would consider using more than persuasion to move people."
The Chief Minister on the other hand said: "It is true that education and information of all kinds help. I think the reason why most people went back into their homes or stayed in their homes, is because they themselves had an inward feeling that it would not occur where they were. Not that they were not aware of the danger. They felt it would not happen again, that it would happen somewhere else.
"I am not saying that if there were more pictures, more presentations, it would not have been better, sure more information would be better."
On Monday, scientist, Dr. Angus Miller answered my question on the education and information issue saying, "Certainly it would be a great advantage if people can see what happened on Wednesday. I think it really hasn’t sunk in to people what happened and how the face of Montserrat has changed. We’ve been expressing for many months in fact, that we would like to have more routes to get information out, to try and persuade people exactly what’s going on with the volcano, and we will support any effort to improve that service."
All agree, even the Chief Minister, though to a lesser degree, agreed that more could have been done or the effect would have been different if more explicit attempts were made to convince people of the fatal dangers that existed. So how difficult would if have been, since the footage is available, to show some of this to the people with the scientists explaining and pointing things and places out periodically.
Chief Minister Osborne debated that he will agree that not enough may have been done, but not that nothing was done. What’s the difference? half good is not good enough.
Could it have been that personalities got in the way? One thing it wasn’t for want of funding like some pretended, that had been taken care of. Could it have been bureaucracy, copyrights or just lack of interest. Or is it just another example of ‘don’t tell them everything’, we’ve told them enough. On two other occasions the CM could not, or would not, address the off-island evacuation plan, could not say he would publish it, or where it was, or whether it even existed other than in someone’s head. On the HMS Liverpool, the captain having called a press conference, gave insights from his end of how some things would go.
We know it was not on the part of the scientists, they did everything else. If it couldn’t get going here, who will doubt Antigua’s willingness to contribute.
There is a saying’ ‘seeing is believing’ and it does make a difference, especially when lives are at stake. Until now, it is true that there have always been warnings about the dangers, but except for National Geographic and some other TV shows, done in a way that suits their American audience. I have seen videos simulating what can happen to villages and towns, but these were private showings and although I suggested these be shown to the general public, we have never been fortunate enough. That is shameful.
There were other reasons people chose to ignore warnings, like refusing to go in shelters, but bearing in mind the suggestions made by scientist Lloyd Lynch,warnings were just not enough.
By Bennette Roach
Pyroclastic flows reach perilously close to the airport - view from a hill North of the airport
W.H. Bramble airport lay untouched, only as far as the Trants river is away from it, but it is expected to remain closed since the entire area has now become a destruction zone. It will be for some time, and at last British and other officials have been taking a serious look at other airport site possibilities.
This closure posed further severe problems for the island, as it was only the day before the government had announced it was giving thought to alternative landing sites to accommodate travel to and from Montserrat, in the event of this very occurrence, following pressure from the public and the print media.
Since the publication of the hard copy of the Reporter the following information was published. There are now 3 zones - the lines goes basically west to east. On Friday, July 4, 1997 released a new risk map which simply shows 3 zones broken down as Exclusion Zone; Central Zone and Northern Zone.
The Exclusion zone as shown on the map includes all those areas South of a line stretching across the Island from Bramble Airport thru Old Road Bay to include Isles Bay and the Golf Course. Also included in this zone are lower Happy Hill and lower Dr. Woods.
The Central zone described as the 'buffer zone', allows occupation as there is no expectation of activity in the very near future that would cause this zone to be evacuated, but if activity increases people should stay alert and be prepared to move. It is shown by the dotted line and Includes Old Towne and Friths over to the the north of the airport.
The Northern zone includes the rest of the island north of the dotted line where it is anticipated that even in the worst case of activity, the most that would happen here is heavy ash fall.
The arrows on the map mark the extent of pyroclastic flow and surge deposits to date.
"Is it history being written"
The Honourable Bertrand Osborne and his Government are to be commended for openly involving other members of the community in the process of finding solutions to keeping the 6000 people still in Montserrat as a viable community.
The Government had invited managers and chairmen of the financial institutions last Wednesday morning to discuss s response and action to the insurance calamity. They were to meet that afternoon with members of the Chamber and Private Sector Association for the same purpose, but for the volcano which went berserk on the eastern villages.
On Sunday evening a hastily organised meeting was also called to discuss a position to present to the Baroness upon her arrival to Montserrat for a second visit in two weeks.
Both of these meetings called upon the government to take some strong and tough positions with the British Government and in the case of the insurers a similar stance. But the members of these groups have come away wondering whether this government have the 'savvy' to be aggressive.
Sources close to the British entourage on island trying to help us in our cause and protect the British interest at the same time have said: "Montserratians are too nice, instead of saying that things are rough but we are making out, they ought to be making a lot noise for better treatment."
These people, some of them agree that the red tape is unbearable, but they have a job to do and they have guidelines.
So what do we do? What we need is a massive injection of cash and equipment to:
firstly, PROPERLY give people who need replacement housing, and;
secondly, CREATE an environment that could be sustainable to exist.
We are going to need food and basic necessities, because there are those of us who will no longer be able to buy it.
Our people have already been humbled, never mind that we are unable to put up with the shelters and temporary housing; it is humbling to go over seas and beg shelter and food. That is easier, because our next door neighbour doesn't see, but it is the same thing, never mind how welcome we are at the beginning.
A year ago when Nicholas Bonsor visited, he stated that they were committed to build the north. Since then we have been hearing that it is up to us. Baroness Chaulker said so; Faint came and said so; the Governor says so all the time and now the Baroness Liz Symons has repeated it over and over.
It is clear that we have no more time now left for pussyfooting, by the Montserrat or British Governments, or else we will all have no jobs, including the ministers and the civil servants.
Dear Sir:
Please allow me some space in your paper to clarify some concern expressed by some persons in regards to the proposed housing development in Woodlands.
Firstly, I must say that I respect the concern shown by these individuals and I am quite sure that they are trying to ensure that the high standard of homes in these residential areas is maintained. I can assure everyone that this is my intention. The building codes and regulations have been adhered to in planning and designing this project. The accompanying sketches show that each unit is on its individual lot. They are all positioned at the recommended distances from the boundary lines and they are similar in design to other residential homes in the sub-divisions.
At the initial stage of planning this project, emphasis was placed on design, environmental impact and most of all, on the volcanic crisis.
Residents of Montserrat have been suffering from the lack of adequate accommodation. Some have lost their homes in the unsafe zone and are in critical need for somewhere to live and a replacement.
These garden apartments are of a sustainable, high quality and would enhance the area.
A project of this nature will also provide much needed employment. Our skilled workers are constantly leaving the island to seek employment elsewhere.
I have looked at the situation and realize that to undertake a project of this nature at this time demands some courage but everyone has to be willing to do what he can in order to see this island move forward.
J. E. Galloway
Dear Mr. Editor,
I must applaud you in your editorial in the June 20 issue. It was definitely one of your better pieces. It has resurfaced a very important issue media muzzling.
We are supposed to be living in a free and democratic society. To further emphasize the issues raised in the editorial, it is quite evident that the government has embarked on a quest to control a particular media, indicative of its attempt to reduce the nation to socialist rule. I am not saying that this country has had socialist government but one of the undeniable traits of the socialist system is media control. It is within the rights of the people of any country to be informed of the truth pertaining to any subject of interest to the people. Information should be related in a concise and timely manner. It is ludicrous for any government to censor or withhold any print or broadcast until they have had time to rebut even to decide when certain clips are to be aired is unconscionable. Hearing the truth after the fact or to have its timely revelation tampered with is in itself a distortion of the truth. If any government is in itself a distortion of the truth. If any government is allowed to perpetrate such an act, they can prevent justice itself. It is the responsibility of the media to ensure that information which passes through them is neither libelous or scandalous nor would constitute deformation of character. They have a duty to ensure that the information is accurate and only if such not the cases hold they not relay it. In fact the media's responsibility goes a step further and that is to seek the truth at all times. Evil can only thrive if we people sit back and allow do nothing. Those who see wrong being done and neither say nor act upon it contributes to it and can be deemed just as guilty as the perpetrator/s.
MEDIA TAMPERING SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED. The media is a system put in place to serve us the people regardless to whether it is government owned. We have not given them the authority to dictate what we should or should not hear, through the media, or when we should hear it. To borrow the format and phrases of just wondering - just wondering why Mr. Chedmon Browne's very interested and enlightening radio programme was abruptly yanked from the airwaves a few years back. Just wondering why calypsos with a particular flavor are not aired during and immediately after general elections. Just wondering if it is true that before any information of a political nature is broadcast, it has to be first sanctioned by the governing body of the day. Past governments have been perceived to be guilty of media control. Should we expect to see this continue for present and future governments? This has got to stop now. I don't always agree with your views but you have hit the nail on the head.
Still confused
The Queen and Duke of York send messages of sympathy
Government House has released the following messages received from the Queen Elizabeth and H.R.H. Duke of York.
The Queen said: "I was distressed to hear of the deaths and damage which have been caused by the volcano. Please would you convey my heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those who were killed. My thoughts are with the rescue services and all those battling in the face of these immense difficulties."
The Duke who had visited Montserrat in February, this year, his .message read:
"I have been following recent events in Montserrat closely and was saddened to hear of the recent volcanic eruptions. Please pass on my heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who have and are suffering. My thoughts are with everyone who lives or works on the island."
US Consular to treat Montserrat with sympathy
His Excellency Governor Savage has categorically discounted reports that he turned down offers from the US Consular office for assistance to Montserratians wishing to relocate to the US.
In a telephone conversation Governor Savage this morning, he said on the contrary he had approached the US Consular office in Barbados shortly after the crisis asking them, "to ease regulations in respect of Montserratians wishing to relocate with relatives in the US during the crisis."
The Governor said that in September last year, after making direct contact with Mr. Phillip Jones US Consular Officer in Barbados, they replied positively saying that sympathetic consideration will be given to Montserratians who had no where else to go, but had relatives in the USA who were 'legal and regular', and willing to accommodate them.
He said that Mr. Jones had subsequently visited Montserrat and as recent as June 22, when he visited Barbados, he spoke to Mr. Jones who confirmed that while they could not change regulations for automatic access, they will deal most sympathetically and compassionately with Montserratians as described before.
The Governor said that he has received nothing but cooperation from the US Consular.
His Excellency could not confirm whether this would guarantee that Montserratians with valid visas would be given more time that the usual six months stay, sometimes given to visitors.
It is known that since this crisis began, Montserratians who have held visas, while attempting to have them endorsed in new passports, have had their visas withdrawn
Government is providing shelter for 488 persons evacuated from Cork Hill. 277 persons are being housed at the Brades Primary School and 120 at the Salem Campus of the Montserrat Secondary School. The others are being accommodated Salem Primary School, St. Peters Anglican Church and the St. John's day care centre. The evacuees are picking from where earlier residents are moving on the single and family units temporary housing.
Both the Farm and Trant bridges are said to have been destroyed as well as over 175 homes and properties including severe damage to the Anglican Church in Harris' and the Methodist Church in Bethel.
After close inspection, it was discovered that small flows or deposits from the ash surge that came over Farrells destroying Streathams village and part of Windiy Hill, had traveled down Dyers Ghaut and into the upper reaches of the Belham river just outside Cork Hill. This prompted serious concerns for Cork Hill and when scientists said signs were apparent that the activity was shifting positions, Cork Hill became seriously at risk.
The result was that by Friday, the order was given for the full evacuation of that area as well as Richmond hill, Foxes Bay, through to Belham river.
Both the Governor and the Chief Minister went on radio and explained these points that forced them to come to the determination that Cork Hill should be evacuated.
Scientists had reported, "two small explosive events with very different precursor activity putting material up to 30,000 feet took place this morning; instruments saying volcano unstable; there is hot magma rising fast; degassing taking place fast and from aerial view, it is clear to see that further pyroclastic flows could overflow Belham Ghaut and enter Cork Hill."
They announced that new material coming up was extremely gas rich and contained 'green horn blend', an indication that the material had come up very rapidly and did not have time to degas. In the scientists' view, this is material not seen in Montserrat for almost 100,000 years.
The recent increase in volcanic activity caused a major activity to be switched to another island. Lenroy Cabey and Reuben Ryan were scheduled to be ordained as deacons at the Anglican Church in St. John's yesterday, but the ordination ceremony was held at the St. John's Cathedral in Antigua on July 1. His Grace the Arch Bishop of the West Indies and Bishop of the North East Caribbean and Aruba Dr. Orland Lindsey officiated the ceremony. Both Cabey and Ryan were in Antigua prior to the Wednesday's major activity at the volcano.
Some nurses sent in the following release of their concerns and difficulty with their conditions of service.
It reads as follows:
We the Nurses of Montserrat, have reached the consensus that:
Adequate provision has not been made for the housing of health staff and their families - with escalation of volcanic activity resulting in the evacuation of Cork Hill, there is no provision for nine (9) nurses their families and other members of the health staff. Since the onset of volcanic crisis, nurses have been providing continuous service to the population.
Despite repeated discussions and written communication to Senior Health Managers to date, minimal action has been taken. However, today, we have been asked to continue to be supportive of Health Management.
Although we are willing to give our support, we no longer feel safe on the island. We are concerned about the safety of our families and the population and we are finding it increasingly difficult to continue to provide service to the population.
We would like to contribute to the rebuilding of Montserrat. Consequently we are strongly in favour of being evacuated from the island with full compensation for years of service given.
Announcer Jeevan Robinson joined regional media personal in Trinidad this past week for hands on experience in programming for children. The seminar was sponsored by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).
It is organized to build and strengthen UNICEF's working relationship with media professionals in the Caribbean. The seminar will also highlight the problem of media programming for children and the youth. Jeevan joins over forty producers and presenters of children's programmes from fifteen countries. Participants will work with a selected group of communication and media experts in the field of production and presentation of programmes for children and youth in the region.
Unicef is seeking to consult with media practitioners as it relates to current issues concurring children and young people in the areas of health, education, social policy and child rights. By getting the views of key radio and television producers and presenters, it is anticipated that children's development concerns will be promoted throughout the region.
Drugs continue to attract news interest. The Royal Montserrat Police has confirmed that a serving member of the Police Force, Constable Ryan, was arrested at St. Kitts Airport last week whilst in possession of a quantity of a substance suspected to be cannabis.
The officer was off duty at the time on authorised leave, which sources say was initially denied and later granted. Ryan appearing before the St. Kitts Magistrates Court was reportedly sentenced to a one year jail term after a guilty plea.
Meantime, here in Montserrat the police have confirmed making arrests of at least 10 persons in a bust two weeks ago. Deputy Commissioner Winston Telesford says nine were arrested in connection with carnabis sativa and one for crack. Police also discovered over a thousand marijuana plants in the Molyneaux area.
In related news, a young man from North reported what he calls undue harassment by local police when he was stopped by them in the Carrs Bay area. The young man describes the action as humiliating. However, Deputy Police Commissioner Telesford says the local fight against drugs should be a cooperative by everyone and their attempts should not be interpreted as harassment or humiliation. The local operation of the past few days is part of a regional anti-drug initiative dubbed Summer Storm. Montserrat is teamed in Zone B with Antigua, St. Kitts and Dominica. The reporting base for this Dominica.
WH Bramble Airport closed to travel
W.H. Bramble airport lay untouched, only
as far as the Trants river is away from it, but it is expected to
remain closed since the entire area has now become a destruction
zone. It will be for some time, and at last British and other
officials have been taking a serious look at other airport site
possibilities.
This closure posed further severe problems for the island, as it was only the day before the government had announced it was giving thought to alternative landing sites to accommodate travel to and from Montserrat, in the event of this very occurrence, following pressure from the public and the print media.
Montserrat Risk Management Project
This week a team arrives here to undertake a Risk Management Project Overview, organised by the Private Sector Association.
The terms of reference of the team are to provide a risk management consulting and technical services which help to improve:
Montserrat and its residential and business community's ability to adequately insure, finance and conduct business operations; and Which help to control and reduce the total cost of risk.CARME's 1996 proposal for service is divided into three (3) major phases. Only Phase 1 has thus far been approved.
Phase 1 Collection and compilation of information, data analyses, interim risk mitigation strategies, contingency plans and risk control applications and recommendations for action. Key focus areas include risk exposures presented by the volcano and other major hazards, insurance and general risk financing, and related issues which impact Montserrat's (community-at-large) ability to adequately insure and finance operations.
Phase2 Conduct physical and technical surveys, probable maximum loss study and assessment of catastrophic and other major hazards. Develop informational data bases and software, statistical analyses and prototype risk financing models based on information derived from Phase 1 and 2 work activities.
Phase 3 Pursuant to the results of Phase 1 and 2, develop insurance and risk financing strategies and recommendations for action; assist in the development, negotiation and implementation of new insurance products (as may be feasible), coverage and service options; safety, loss control, disaster management, risk reduction and cost control applications to address current and future risk management issues.
The members of the team are: Deborah A. Collins-Nears, CEO 8. Executive Consultant; H. Deborah Boykin, Senior Risk Financing Consultant; Dr. James (Jim) Beget, Chief Consultant Geological Services; and Milton Van Slyke, Senior Loss Control Engineer, all of whom come reportedly, very well qualified and equipped to carry out these services.
Each phase of the proposed project provides for the delivery of educational services,
recommendations and action plans, and opportunities to develop and implement available risk treatment options.
Work disciplines to be assigned to this project include, but are not limited to:
by Nigel G. Weekes
Heavenly Father, God above
Look down on us with tender love
Thy children sit 'neath Soufriere's hill
Their fate, we know will be your will
But if on you their hearts they keep
Should one not wake from slumber's sleep
Their soul to you, be taken home
In ash and dust no more to roam
No life will ever be the same
We all will be forever changed
You promised angels to stand by
So send them now, and heed our cry
Send goodness, mercy, faith and peace
To watch and wait till ash-clouds cease
And for the children, Lord we pray
You'd give them strength to face today
Tomorrow is unknown, we know
And yesterday, there was a flow
A brother's keeper lends a hand
The truth, we do not understand
So for my people, I say this prayer
For all Montserratians, everywhere
For those who still at home remain
And those of us who feel their pain
Let distance not our eyes keep tight
But join right in and share the plight
Please keep them, Lord from fear and shame
This I ask, in Jesus' name.
My people.
About 12:30 yesterday, the volcano erupted and devoured everything in its path.
Several of you have lost your homes, your crops, your animals, your possessions and have been put to great inconvenience, you have even suffered physical and emotional injury.
I wish to extend my sincere sympathies and condolences to persons who have suffered personal injury, the relatives and friends of those who are still missing, and all of you who have suffered any personal loss.
To the people of Cork Hill, I urge you to be vigilant and closely observe all instructions and guidance. We want you to be fully aware that we will be working nonstop to ensure your safety.
I wish to assure all of you that I will work with every fibre of my being on your behalf
You may recall that in previous broadcasts that I warned the British that this could happen.
I told them to build storage for your personal effects. I told them to pay you compensation for your crops. I told them to provide the money for us to find a place for you to farm and tether your animals in the safe zone.
I told them that after two years of this crisis that you shouldn't be living in these open shelters.
I told them that several of you are staying with relatives in the safe zone, but you have outlived your welcome.
I told them that several of you have to be paying rent and you are not working and that you cannot live on $120 per month and that your two year old children cannot live on $10 per month, and instead of your having to go to England to collect $500 per week for a family of three, and a fully furnished flat, they could provide the same facilities here. And they refused to do anything about it.
Some of our people who were in Farrells farming yesterday, were there because they had no land in the safe zone to farm.
Some of our people who stayed in their homes, stayed because there was no housing for them in the safe zone.
Several of my constituents have told me that they would rather die in their own homes that suffer the indignity of living in a shelter. Should a man have to choose between life and indignity? This should never happen in a British Dependent Territory. Dependency must mean something.
And people should never have to make that choice, and they are forced into this because the British refuse make money available for permanent housing.
Here it is that they have approved six million dollars for housing in the form of material assistance, and they have not spent one cent up to this point.
Yet many people in desperate need have been waiting for months and have presented their applications. To coincide with the visit of Baroness Symons, the British officials made a grand announcement with much fanfare that 6.3 million dollars had been approved for the material assistance program. But in spite of the urgency of the situation and your desperate needs, two weeks have passed and Ministers cant get one cent to spend for you.
What I know is that they spend millions of dollars on Jeeps for British consultants drive around in. But when it comes to letting go money for housing for you, not one red cent. But money for Jeeps.
We are now in an escalated crisis, yet the British are applying the same rules that apply to normal times. Here we are, living in the time of tribulation and desolation and we plead with the British to relax these rules. But they are saying that they cannot change the rules.
Everybody knows about the problems of waste disposal in the safe area, and the difficulties of getting proper soak pits. Government has no equipment to do the task, and has appealed to the British for a new excavator. We must have an efficient excavator. The existing equipment is 17 years old and can no longer be maintained.
After much argument and a seven page document they finally agreed that there is a need for the new excavator months ago. But up to Friday last week they did not even ordered the new excavator. This is madness and it must stop.
I wish to thank the British taxpayers for their assistance to date, but British Ministers are being fooled by civil servants who want to sit in London and Isles bay Hill and run Montserrat.
They are using procedures and rules that are crippling the local government in this crisis.
When it became obvious that the Windward constituency was threatened, both myself and the Minister of Agriculture made repeated appeals to the resident head of the Aid office for just five thousand dollars to build a shed to store his tools valued at over $100,000.
This young man invested all of his savings, and with no assistance from government built a small house for himself and his family. He then started to build a work-shed to secure his equipment but ran out of funds. When he appealed to the Minister of Agriculture his case was forcefully put to the British who refused to help.
He lost all of his tools yesterday. And this need not have happened. Here it is the scientists said that you must come out because of the danger. You obeyed them. This young man came out and left his tools behind in his workshop. He took what little money he had and invested it in building a little workshop to work so that he could support his family.
The British say they have œ25 million to help us. But because of some rule they refused to help him. And he lost all of his tools. I am your representative and I will never rest until I get the British to pay you for your crops, to find a place to tether animals, to provide permanent housing for you, to provide a place to put your valuables and increase the amount they give you for vouchers. Those officials must tell me how Jim Semper is going to get $100,000 to replace his tools.
Before yesterday I never flew in the helicopter, but I needed to see for myself what the situation was like.
When I said earlier that the place was devoured, I witnessed the devastation and desolation first hand from the helicopter.
When I went up I asked what other transportation was available, and I learned that the Dutch sent a helicopter, and the French are sending a helicopter, but where are British?
All of the agricultural land in Farrells is gone. The reason why farmers had to risk their lives and farm in Farrells is because the British Government refused to buy land in the safe zone for farmers to work.
The crux of the matter my people is that we need a more responsive system. When our people need housing we want houses, not consultants. It is Montserratians who designed and built all the villas and swimming pools that the British are living in now, so we could build house for ourselves. Just give us the money. People should not have to choose death over indignity.
Several of the people who came out today have nothing but the clothes on their back. Some have already said that they would rather go back and face death than to suffer shelter living.
I am calling on the British to immediately provide the following with no strings attached:
We need to provide our people with hope and evidence that the North is indeed safe. The way to do this is to invest in the North. My friends, we cannot allow our society to be scattered to the four corners of the earth. We must tackle the task of rebuilding our country with urgency and vigor. We must not only hear of the 25 million pounds, but we must see it being spent to our benefit.
Finally my friends, I wish to remind you that the darkest hour is before dawn, but we have shown resilience and courage as a people in the past, and our finest hour is yet to come.
The Ministry of Health and Community Services understands the plight of the nurses and other health workers at this time. I think we all agree that it has been and still is a difficult and trying period for all who currently live and work on Montserrat. The Ministry salutes the courage, the hard work and the dedication of the health team especially the nurses who have had to shoulder the greater burden of health care delivery without adequate staff support.
There is no denying the level of uncertainty that exists and the fear created by the persistent volcanic activity over the last two years. This has tested the patience and fortitude of every person living on Montserrat.
The recent bout of volcanic activity has sadly claimed the lives of several persons and left others missing and this has obviously increased the fears of many. However, we cannot be hasty and fickle about matters that relate to the future our country. There is no doubt that even with the problems we are experiencing there is still much about this island that we should cherish and preserve. This can only be done if we "make much of the little that has been left for us. "
Having said this, the delivery of health care is critical at this time and it is hoped that all of us who are responsible in any way for making this service possible will find the strength to continue amidst the sad and even fearful mood that seeks to cloud our judgement. The Ministry intends to continue to deliver the best health care possible to all persons remaining on island and requests the support of the community and all health staff in this effort.
It is clear to all that much work needs to be done to bring back the every day comforts to which we have grown accustomed and to alleviate the pain of the present crisis. It is a journey that will take time, test our will and commitment and our ability to endure hardships while we rebuild our country. Individual actions and decisions do not only have an impact on our own lives but on the many other people who depend our skills and our vision to see them through this moment. It is imperative therefore, that our actions at this time provide continuity and support for all those who still dare to hope.
The Ministry of Health wishes to take this opportunity to thank the individuals, agencies and countries who have supported us and continue to support us during this crisis especially the overseas nurses and doctors who have come to our aid at this critical time.
British Parliament Session on Montserrat
Following are some excerpts of questions and answers as they were reported from the United Kingdom Parliament, on June 30, 1997.
Most of the text is being reproduced because of the relevance of the material.
Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney, North and Stoke Newington) (by private notice) asked the Secretary of State for International Development what is Her Majesty's Government's response to the devastating volcanic eruption on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, which has resulted in serious loss of life, with eight dead, 10 missing presumed dead and a further eight missing.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr. George Foulkes)
I am sure that the whole House would want to join me in expressing condolences to those who have lost relatives in this dreadful disaster and in wishing all those who have been injured a speedy recovery.
In view of the seriousness of the eruption last week, my Department established a task force of officials to decide what best could be done to help the Government and people of Montserrat. As a result, we have taken a number of urgent steps. First, four helicopters were mobilised immediately, one of which has a burns treatment capability. I should express the Government's appreciation for the assistance given in the operation by the Dutch and French Governments.
(The Secretary of State describes further what other steps they have taken such as a further œ6.8 million and as were mentioned by the Baroness - see "Baroness Visits" He further reported the visit.)
We and the Government of Montserrat accept responsibility for the both the immediate safety and the long-term future of the island. As hon. Members know, there will be debate on international development in the House tomorrow. If there is anything further to report, we will let the House know then.
Ms Abbott: The Minister will be aware that it is 16 months since the volcano first erupted. Yesterday, I met representatives of the Montserrat community in Great Britain: the Montserrat Aid Committee 89 and the Montserrat Overseas Progressive Alliance. I was also fortunate to meet the director of the health service in Montserrat, Dr. Ronnie Cooper, who was on a flying visit. They are anxious for me to put the following points to the Government.
First, there is an urgent need for housing in Montserrat because of the displacement of people from the southern part of the island caused by the earlier eruptions of the volcano. I am advised that housing is needed for more than 4,000 people. I put it to the Minister that the deaths that we have heard about this weekend were caused by the lack of housing. I understand that the southern part of the island, which is the volcano zone, is also the main agricultural area of Montserrat. Although people were evacuated from that area, because there was no housing and sufficient arrangements for resettlement were not made, the small farmers went back to the site of the volcano to continue farming as that was the only way that they felt they could survive. Had there been proper housing and had proper arrangements been made for resettlement, they would not have lost their lives.
There are also health care issues. A school has had to become a temporary hospital and it is totally inadequate-it has outside toilets. The temporary hospital is losing health care personnel every week because of the problems.
The Montserrat community is grateful for what the Government have done, but, in view of the tragic situation this weekend and the loss of life, it asks that urgent attention be given to relocation and housing. Can interim arrangements be made to get the temporary hospital up to scratch and can more attention be given to the people of Montserrat, who are having to come here to flee the volcano?
The Minister will be aware that the people of Montserrat did not want to leave the island. They have rejected the idea of evacuating it wholesale. They are very attached to what is a beautiful island in the Antilles, but they are in desperate straits. Advisers have been sent and money has been set aside, but there has been interminable delay in decision making. Unless action is taken urgently, particularly on housing, health care and sanitation, more lives will be lost unnecessarily in that beautiful and loyal British dependency.
Mr. Foulkes: I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her long and continuing interest in Montserrat and the area in general. We recognise the urgent need for housing. Indeed, when the most recent and most devastating eruption took place, my Department, Baroness Symons and I were discussing the long-term need for housing in the north, so that the housing and hospital facilities that are no longer usable in the south can be replaced. Our first priority now, however, is to take account of the current emergency and ensure that people are safe. We will then consider immediately the longer-term need for housing.
We are satisfied that the temporary hospital is sufficient to deal with immediate needs, but we have already started discussions about long-term hospital provision and will be discussing that immediately upon Baroness Symons's return to the United Kingdom tomorrow. (that would be yesterday)
I hope that we will be able to establish the future of the island in the long term. We do not want it to be evacuated. We shall certainly encourage people to be there and will do everything in our power along with the Government of Montserrat. I am sure that my hon. Friend would not want us to take over responsibility from the elected Government of Montserrat, even though it is a dependent territory. We are working with them and we want to ensure that, in the long term, the island is viable and that people can continue to live there.
I hope that my hon. Friend will agree that it is only eight weeks since this Government took office. We have already had three or four ministerial meetings about Montserrat. We are dealing with the matter with the urgency that it deserves because there has been a lack of concern for the long-term interests of the people of Montserrat.
Mr. David Faber (Westbury): I thank the hon. Gentleman for his statement and join him and the hon. Member for Hackney, North and Stoke Newington (Ms Abbott) in expressing sympathy on behalf of the Opposition to the families of those who lost their lives. I welcome the action that the Government have undertaken in sending HMS Liverpool and the four helicopters that he mentioned and in making extra aid available to try to prevent further loss of life.
Will the hon. Gentleman give the House a commitment today that the West Indies guard ship, currently HMS Liverpool, which is doing such invaluable work in the area, will be maintained in its current state after the Government's defence review?
Mr. Foulkes: I welcome the hon. Member to his new responsibilities and I look forward to jousting with him across the Floor of the House on more party-political occasions and co-operating in every way possible. I also look forward to his participation in the debate tomorrow, when we can have a longer discussion of international development issues.
We are very pleased that HMS Liverpool was able to be deployed so quickly and that the Lynx helicopter on the Liverpool was used very effectively in the search- and-rescue operations. That underlines the importance of the West Indies guard ship. As for the defence review, happily that is a matter for my colleagues, not for me.
Mr. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington, North): I thank the Minister for his statement. Many people in my constituency and other inner-London constituencies come from Montserrat and are desperately concerned about their families and friends back home. They want to know that the Government's commitment to Montserrat will continue and that there will not be any cash limit put on the immediate help that is so vital, such as the hospital and housing. Above all, they want to know that people from Montserrat who came to this country after the previous eruption will not be forced to return home and that all those in Montserrat who feel the need to come here now will be allowed in without any restrictions on their entry or their stay in this country being imposed by the Home Office.
Mr. Foulkes: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. The question about entry to the United Kingdom is, as he says, a matter for the Home Office; my Department and the Foreign Office will be discussing it with our colleagues in the Home Office.
I emphasise the importance of trying to keep Montserrat as a viable island. We hope that there will be no further eruptions, but that cannot be totally assured, so we have an evacuation plan in the event of any serious eruptions. Assuming that there is no serious eruption, we would want to keep Montserrat as a viable entity, which is why we are encouraging people to stay there.
We will give them as much assistance as we can and we will work with the Government of Montserrat to try to make that possible, but if, at the end of the day, they have to seek sanctuary elsewhere, they should be treated as sympathetically as possible.
Dr. Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): Liberal Democrat Members would also like to extend their sympathy to the people of Montserrat at this terrible time.
Although I appreciate the need of the people to stay on their island, I understand that the habitable area is becoming less and less and ...Are there any plans in the long term to decide whether it is worth trying to persuade people to relocate elsewhere and to help them to do so if that is necessary?
Mr. Foulkes: We hope that there will not be a more serious and more fatal eruption. It is important to remember that this has been a viable island, producing rice for the European Union and acting as a haven for tourists, and we would want it to continue to be viable, if at all possible. We are working with the Government of Montserrat to try to make that possible.
If evacuation has to take place, we will consider the position as sympathetically as possible and do everything we can to make sure that the people of Montserrat are properly dealt with.
Mr. Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock): Does not this tragedy highlight once more the fact that there is not adequate communication or facilities for communication between the legislative councils and Chief Ministers of small dependencies and this place?
I listened to the points raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Hackney, North and Stoke Newington (Ms Abbott). Will the Minister advise the House whether at any stage the legislative council or the Chief Minister tried to raise those points with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or his Department?
Secondly, will he put in the Library the messages from the Governor, who is responsible for these matters during emergencies, so as to indicate at what stage the gravity of the current situation was flagged up? Those messages are appropriate for scrutiny by Members of Parliament.
Mr. Foulkes: In relation to the period for which I and the Government are responsible, I totally rebut my hon. Friend's suggestion.
I met the Chief Minister of Montserrat only five weeks ago when I was in Toronto at a meeting of the Caribbean development bank. As I said earlier, my noble Friend Baroness Symons visited Montserrat, met the Government and the Opposition and discussed what was necessary in the short and the long term. We were in the process of considering all of the things that we should provide for the Government and the people of Montserrat when, unfortunately, the eruption took place. It could not be predicted, and I do not think that even my hon. Friend would blame the present Government-or a Conservative Government-for a volcanic eruption.
Mr. Tony Baldry (Banbury): Will the hon. Gentleman reconsider his remarks about inactivity by the earlier Government, given that that Government paid for the building of a number of new schools and a new general hospital in Montserrat, which were destroyed by the volcano? Can he confirm that Montserrat receives more aid per head of population than any country in the world?
The House would like to know, if not today perhaps in tomorrow's debate, how much money are Her Majesty's Government are prepared to earmark to ensure that Montserrat is viable in future.
Mr. Foulkes: I will certainly try to ensure that the hon. Gentleman's final question is answered in tomorrow's debate-if not in the introductory speech, then in the reply for which I am directly responsible.
It is not right to compare dependent territories with other countries. We have a special responsibility for dependent territories as long as they remain in that role, which is why I said that we accept, jointly with the elected Government of Montserrat, our responsibility to the people of Montserrat; and that continues.
No doubt if the hon. Gentleman catches Madam Speaker's eye, he will have the opportunity tomorrow to extend his contribution and tell us what the previous Government did. I do not believe, however, that he will be able to say that they acted with the sense of urgency that has been shown in the past eight weeks.
Mr. Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston): In view of the risk to Lynx helicopters because of the nature of the dust from the volcanic explosion, is my hon. Friend satisfied that, in the event of there having to be a major evacuation, there is sufficient seaborne support to bring that about?
Mr. Foulkes: Yes. As well as providing the ferry service, which started yesterday, we have had discussions with the Governments of the other islands in the area, and we are satisfied that there is sufficient seaborne capacity to carry out an evacuation. I can say, however, that we are currently reviewing the evacuation procedures-the second issue of which was produced earlier this year-in the light of recent happenings, to ascertain whether any updating and improvement are necessary.
ST. PATRICK’S CO-OP CREDIT UNION
Letter from the President
Dear Credit Union Member:
Just over two weeks ago, we celebrated like we haven't before, 40 years of Credit Unionism in Montserrat. During that time we honoured several people, deceased and alive.
We recalled very briefly, the history of our existence and we talked a bit about what and who we are and where we are going. What we didn't talk about are the difficulties on the way, but we celebrated that we are here still today.
One week later, we have faced some of our most difficult moments yet, as some of our members have suffered loss of lives and property, and others continue to suffering. That has touched all of us and we wish to let those members who have been touched directly by these sufferings know that we share their loss.
All members of the Credit Union Movement are one as we have seen demonstrated so far by regional movements around and others. When one member is affected it affects us all.
Your board of directors are working hard to continue to keep that confidence you have helped to build over these 40 years. We have to stay ahead and be in touch with what is happening around us.
We take this opportunity to remind our members of efforts we have made to ensure the continuity of the Credit Union even should the unlikely development of the much questioned 'off-island evacuation.'
We wish to reassure our members and friends that we have every confidence, that we can continue to believe in ourselves and our existence. It is only with the resilience of people like credit union members of this island that we can continue to thrive in this confidence and assuredness in the continued existence of our island.
Let us therefore continue to be confident in our own importance in the union we share together and stay strong in that belief.
Yours truly,
ST. PATRICK'S CO-OP CREDIT UNION LTD.
Bennette Roach
President.
Bethel Methodist Church - demolished by the June 25 pyroclastic flow
This week has seen the most devastating episodes produced by the volcano up to the present. In recent times pyroclastic flows have no longer been limited to the Tar River side of the volcano, but have been traveling in Mosquito and Tuitt's Ghaut and over Gages into Fort Ghaut.
The seismicity during the early part of the week was dominated by hybrid swarms, which would intensify in both number and magnitude, culminating in continuous tremor, which would gradually subside into background noise. These swarms would last from three to as many as eight hours. There were few Long-Period events, almost no Volcano-Tectonic events while rock fall signals continued to be relatively abundant.
Dome views revealed a blocky surface with a number of spines. At night, glowing was sometimes observed. Material near the top was identified to be its source. At times there was strong steaming coming from the dome.
Pyroclastic flows continued to occur down Tar River, some of which reached to within 1 km of the delta. After an absence of just over a week, a flow occurred in Mosquito Ghaut on the 23rd.
The tiltmeter on Chances Peak, which was installed on May 23, and which had been showing a long period, low amplitude cyclic behaviour, superimposed on a relatively steady level background, moved to a higher frequency cycle, superimposed on a background that was moving down.
SO2 levels were found to range from 438-1170 tonnes/day. Background levels range from 200300 tonnes/day.
On the morning of the 25th seismicity continued at a high level with large hybrid swarms. There were several small pyroclastic flows in Mosquito Ghaut. At about 10:00 am an intense hybrid swarm started and merged into continuous tremor by 12:15 p.m. At about 1:00 p.m. major pyroclastic flow activity began in Mosquito Ghaut. The ash cloud quickly reached 30,000 feet. The flow traveled into the Farms River affecting Dyers, Streatham, Farrell's, Harris' and Bethel. Down river of Bramble, it fanned out between Trants and Spanish Point stopping just short of the sea. Windy Hill was affected by the surge. Material extended to within 1.5 km of Belham Bridge. A total of about 4 km2 was covered by pyroclastic flow and surge. The scar left by the collapse was spoon-shaped with a steep, back wall situated on the lower flanks of the dome above Mosquito Ghaut. The tilt had just about reached its lowest point and was on the down turn of a short cycle when the episode occurred. Unfortunately, given the presence of persons in the evacuated zone, it was clear that there was not only property damage but, also loss of life.
Above and below - Windy Hill and Streathams have been dessimated
The following day the hybrid swarms continued but were reduced in duration and magnitude. The tilt dipped to its lowest position since installation and then began to rise. The frequency of the small cycles continued to be high and the amplitude also increased.
The following two days were each punctuated by significant events. On the 27th, there were two steam explosions around mid-morning. The second was larger and generated a 20,000 ft. ash cloud. Small rock fragments up to 8 mm in length were showered on Lover's Lane, Dagenham, Richmond Hill and Foxes Bay. Because of the increased risk from pyroclastic surges Cork Hill, Weeks, St. George's Hill, Delvins, Foxes Bay and Richmond Hill
On the 28th, there was a strong seismic signal at 03 :51 a.m. inferred to have been associated with a pyroclastic flow over Gages. Around 11:30 a.m., a hybrid swarm began and consisted of events larger than those seen in the recent swarms. This escalated into eruptive activity lasting over 11/2 hrs, producing a large volume of ash and several small pyroclastic flows in Mosquito Ghaut and a moderate flow in Fort Ghaut. This latter flow was later determined to have traveled as far as the vicinity of the hospital. The mass of this flow was confined to the ghaut but the surge clouds of hot ash covered the immediate areas adjacent to the channel resulting in the ignition of dried wood and rubbish close to the street.
Plymouth under siege - pyro flows are now beggining to affect the deserted capitol
Continuous pyroclastic flow activity resulted in deposition of a large amount of material in the ghauts mentioned earlier resulting in them becoming shallower with each new activity. This situation is likely to contribute to possible over-spilling of larger pyroclastic flows into some areas which hitherto had not been affected by the flows. In the past, a significant episode such as that of the 25th was followed by weeks, even months, of relative inactivity. So far this has not been the case with this latest episode. Under the circumstances, it is advisable that continued vigilance be maintained given the high state of instability, which is being demonstrated at the mountain.
MVO
Montserrat will be represented at the Central American & Caribbean Athletic Championships to be held in Puerto Rico this weekend.
Montserrat's sole athlete will be Kwame Galloway who now resides and trains in Antigua. The Montserrat Amateur Athletic Association has asked the Antigua AAA to assist Kwane in the absence of their local coach, Wilston Scotland, who is unable to travel at this time.
In other athletic news, Montserrat will particpate at the World Championships in Athlectics to be held in Athens, Greece in August. Darren "plenty" Tuitt, a former MSS student who is now finishing High School in North Carolina, USA is the MAAA's selected athlete. Darren has continued to excel in Athletics.
Darren ‘Plenty’ Tuitt
Plenty Tuitt: East spinter among best in the country.
Speed, stamina, and the ability to shift gears has made Darren Tuitt one of the nations's fastest high school sprinters.
The East Mecklenbury 200 meter specialist has been timed at 21.3 seconds, making him the 11th fastest in the event this year.
In the Southwestern 4A Conference Championships earlier this month, Tuitt won the 100 in a time of 10.6, and completed the first double for an East sprinter in 20 years by also winning the 200 in 21.6.
"Darren has a real explosiveness about his running, he can almost shift gears, and that's fairly unusual", said head coach Larry McAfee.
Like most sprinters, Tuitt competes in multipule events. McAfee has entered him in the 400 meters as well as the 800 relayand 1600 relay. Yet, if there was an area of sprinting which Tuitt could inprove on. It would be starts.
"To be more successful in the 100 we will have to work on his start," McAfee said. "Although he is better at the 200, I think he is good at 400...we have clocked him several times at sub- 49 (seconds), but having to work on his start is fortune because that is something you can work. It will obviously pay of his 200, too.
Tuitt isn't sweating over starts, though. He looks at every race as a gradual progression.
Instead of false starting, I would rather get a slow start and win in the end," Tuitt said.
Tuitt adapted to a stress of running multiple events easier than most, because McAfee set a standard for all his sprinters to follow. In order to dominate, Tuitt has had to endure the pressure of being a major part of team scoring. "He had never run the 400," McAfee said. "We put him in the 300 indoor, and he did very well in that, and he just barley missed qualifying. We had our first meet Jnuary 10, and two weeks later he was running the 300 and the mile relay. He wasn't in shape, but one thing we work on and stress to all of our spinters is conditioning we try to get all guys in shape handle multiple races"
Cricket Team Problems in St. Kitts
The three day match between Montserrat and St. Kitt's ended controversially on Saturday. Montserrat were 223 for 8 in their second innings and facing an innings defeat when they declared. The declaration came after Tyrone Greenaway was 1bw for 9. According to reports, the Montserrat Manager called his two players off the field then declared the Montserrat innings. Scores in the Match - St. Kitt's 383, Montserrat 150 Devon Williams 37, Macpherson Meade 36 and 223 for 8 declared Devon Williams 60, Oakland Greaves 58 and Earl Hyman 44. Montserrat then went on to beat St. Kitt's in the one day match on Sunday. Scores Montserrat 209 in 48 overs. Sammy Kirnon 44, Trevor Semper 37. St. Kitt's 206 off 49.5 overs. Devon Williams took 4 for 37. Williams was also named man of the match.
Jus wonderin if it is true that one of the Indian operated supermarket is planning to relocate to St. Martin.
Jus wonderin why only persons in the ESU and EOC are always complemented for working hard and long hours.
Jus wonderin if some of these over worked persons cannot be assisted by unemployed persons.
Jus wonderin what the people of Cork Hill and other areas that were hurriedly relocated to the North of the island are to do when they want a change of clothes and are hungry.
Jus wonderin why British MPs or visiting officials always see the hardship persons in the shelters suffer and our local officials seem not to notice.
Jus wonderin if the MP from East is speaking on behalf of elected colleagues or is talking against the wishes of the others.
Jus wonderin if local officials and scientist are giving information to the outside world that Montserratians are not given.
Jus wonderin if it is true it costs about US $5,000 per day for the operation of the ferry.
Jus wonderin if proper shelter and other arrangement were in place if so many persons would have lost their lives in the June 25 volcanic activity.
Jus wonderin if Salem will be asked to move.
Jus wonderin how many teachers will return to the island to start school in September.
Jus wonderin which one of the Britishers was caught taking away a live parrot in the middle of the night.
Jus wonderin if charges are going to be pressed now that the parrot has been returned safely; and jus wonderin if it is the parot incident why the snatchers no longer live their plush residence.
Jus wonderin if the eastern constituent minister is one of the missing persons in the unfortunate disaster or is she going to be another casualty.
MV Freda W.
With all machinery including main engine 405 H. P.
Rebuilt new March 1996.
Class Bureau - Excellent condition.
3 generators, all Lister Blackstone engines.
Speed 10.5- 11 knots.
Port of Registry, London, England.
Gross tonnage 428.
Dead weight 600.
Crew quarters, kitchen and storage rebuilt new.
Includes: 15 ton telescopic crane Mac Gregor, hatch covers, 2 hatches - I hole.
Fax. 664 - 491 - 3010. Great Western Shipping Co. Ltd. PO Box 56, Plymouth Montserrat.Negotiable - asking price US $400.000
Present trading-Caribbean.
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: roachb@candw.ag
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