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BRITISH TRADE MISSION VISITS MONTSERRAT
Ten members of the mission visited Montserrat following a briefing session in Antigua by staff of the Governor's Office in Montserrat. They represented companies dealing in building supplies, construction advisory services, foodstuffs, household and hotel toiletries, freight cargo services, electric cables, motor vehicles, and quality bathroom fixtures. The mission was organised by the Caribbean Trade Advisory Group (CARITAG) in London and was co-sponsored by the British Government's trade development and promotion agency, British Trade International. The mission leader was Mr David Fawcett OBE, the Sales Director of Geest Lines and the mission secretary was Miss Sue Monteath, CARITAG Director. The local programme for the mission was put together by the National Development Foundation (NDF), the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Governor's Office. Following courtesy calls on officials including the Acting Governor Dr H.A. Fergus and the Acting Chief Minister Mr Rupert Weekes, the mission toured business places on the island and hosted an interactive meeting with over 40 members of the business community at the Tropical Mansions Suites Hotel. At that meeting, Mr Fawcett heard repeated criticisms of the Sea Freight Services between the UK and Montserrat. 'It is costly and takes too long to ship from Britain,' was the message that the business community delivered to Mr Fawcett. The Geest Shipping Executive promised the businessmen and women that he would personally investigate ways of introducing a cost and time effective method of shipping goods from Britain to the island. This was well received and leading local businessman, Mr Kenny Cassell later told BBC World Service listeners, that he was particularly excited with the prospects of an improved freight service between the two countries. The need for two way trading was emphasised by both the NDF and the MCCI and local businesswoman Mrs Annie Dyer-Howe made an impressive presentation of her products from Howe's Enterprises. Mrs Dyer-Howe is currently seeking export markets for her products. Mr Hadford Howell MBE, the Head of the Commercial Sector of the British High Commission in Barbados who accompanied the mission, said that British exports to the Eastern Caribbean are about £150 million per annum and yet in 1999 Montserrat only imported £1.4 million worth of British goods. During the same period Montserrat's exports to Britain were just £100,000 showing the need for further two way trade. Mission members commenting on ZJB before their departure, expressed excitement of the prospects of future trade between the two countries and are already planning a follow up visit for next year. Mr Rudi Page of Statecraft, later told listeners that he thought the mission had been a huge success and that he was pleased that he had been able to help in its organisation. SOUFRIERE HILLS VOLCANO "PERSISTENTLY ACTIVE?"
A new dome soon emerged and has continued growing in the same position and at a similar rate, so it is likely that this dome will reach its previous size by mid-year. Therefore, the volcano is now in a second major phase of dome growth. Hazards similar to those experienced in the first phase of dome growth are thus to be expected, including further dome collapses with pyroclastic flows, explosions, fall of pumice and ash, and volcanic mudflows during periods of high rainfall. As activity stands currently, no threat is posed outside the present Exclusion Zone. However if the dome eventually grows to a large size, or grows in such a manner that it threatens the northern flanks, or the eruption rate increases significantly, then conditions might arise where the limits of the Exclusion Zone might require re-assessment. But the occurrence of such unfavourable conditions at the volcano, such that levels of risk would increase outside the Exclusion Zone, are thought to have low probability of developing over the next 6 months. The most likely situation is for lava dome growth to continue, and for further dome collapses to occur to the east down the Tar River valley. Through its detailed monitoring, MVO is confident that escalations to more dangerous situations can be anticipated. Growing understanding of the Soufriere Hills volcano by MVO and its collaborators has enabled scientists to be more confident than previously about the safety of Northern Montserrat. However, the fact that the volcano is now established in a second phase of dome growth increases the possibility that the Soufriere Hills volcano may become persistently active over a period of many years or even decades. BOOK OF THE CENTURY
The book highlights national achievements and outstanding contributors to the development of the society in a variety of fields over the last century. Chapter headings include: Politics and Governance, Economic Ups and Downs, Education, Health & Welfare, Disaster Management and Mitigation, Civil Society and Culture. The chapters contain a variety of interesting sub-topics such as, 'Volcano Politics - White and Golden Elephants', 'Six Chief Ministers', 'Women in Politics, 'Trade and Labour Unions', 'Residential Tourism', 'From Tilley Lamp to Teleconference', 'End of Elitist Education', 'From Primitive to Primary Health Care', 'Means Testing - Illfare or Welfare', 'Montserratian Organisations Overseas', and 'Calypso Kings and Princesses'. The voluntary organisations featured, include the Old People's Welfare Association, the St Patrick's Cooperative Credit Union and the newly formed Committee for the Redevelopment of Montserrat. The book of the Century is essentially a community effort. It is researched and written by the UWI academic, but it is very largely sponsored by a number of local businesses, large and small, along with a couple of Montserratians overseas. Profits from the book will be donated either to a charitable cause or to education. Volcano Song: Poems of an Island in Agony by the same author, will be published in June by Macmillan of London and Basingstoke. The proceeds of that book are earmarked for the OPWA. The University Centre is pleased with the response of sponsors to date but anticipates some more. All sponsors will be listed in the book which has been billed as a collector's item, and will receive a complimentary copy. The Governor's Office is a leading sponsor of this national cultural effort. MONTSERRAT REPRESENTED AT UK / CARIBBEAN FORUM The second UK / Caribbean Forum was held in London on 11 and 12 May and covered a wide range of issues of common concern, including economic development, trade and investment, regional integration, development partnerships, environmental and social issues, education, financial matters, crime and judicial issues. The forum was co-chaired by the British Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook and Trinidad & Tobago's Foreign Minister Mr Ralph Maraj, who is chairman of the Caribbean Council of Foreign Ministers. Montserrat was represented at the meeting by H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott, the Hon Minister of Education, Health & Community Services, Adelina Tuitt and the Director of Development, Mrs Angela Greenaway. In addition to the UK and 14 members of CARICOM, the Dominican Republic, the five UK Overseas Territories in the Caribbean, and the CARICOM and CARIFORUM Secretariats the following organisations and countries were represented; the European Commission, the EU Presidency and the United States. Having observer status were Canada, France, The Netherlands, Spain, the Caribbean Advisory Group, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Caribbean Development Bank, the OAS, UWI, the University of Guyana, the West India Committee, the Caribbean Trade Advisory Group, the Caribbean Tourism Association, the Caribbean Hotel Association, the World Bank, the IMF and several others. British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook underlined the importance of mutual understanding and partnership in the relationship between the UK and Caribbean Governments. Mr Cook said that the UK acknowledged the potential of the region, but was aware of its unique vulnerability. He stressed the need for holistic approaches to the challenges facing the region. This required further efforts to achieve consensus on problems and possible solutions, and highlighted the need for more effective coordination between the players both within and outside the region. The next UK Caribbean Forum will be hosted by Guyana in 2002. HURRICANE SEASON APPROACHES The 2000 hurricane season starts on 1, June and it is expected to be a busy one. In readiness for the season, Montserrat was recently represented at the National Hurricane Conference held in New Orleans in mid April and have purchased a state of the art weather station. At the conference was Horatio Tuitt, the Director of the Emergency Department and Mr Norman Cassell, Airport Manager / Senior Meteorological Officer. The conference reported that there are expected to be 11 named storms during the season with 7 of them developing into hurricanes. This may result in 55 storm days with about 10% of these suffering intense weather conditions. The conference participants learned that tornadoes exist within hurricanes and that it is these that often cause damage to property. Modern methods of gathering hurricane data were explained fully as was the importance of timely warnings and information to disaster planners and the general public. Montserrat's participation at the conference plus the purchase of the new weather station, it is hoped, will allow for earlier calls on approaching storms so that people can better prepare. However, the onus for preparation rests on an individual's shoulders and everyone should be prepared at the start of the hurricane season. At this stage with just a few days before the official start of the season, every resident of Montserrat can start their preparation planning. Some of the things one can do at the START of the season are: a/ clear properties, yards & gardens of debris that can fly around in a storm b/ secure and tie down dustbins so they don't blow around in a storm c/ chain down LPG bottles if in an exposed position d/ remove the nuts from coconut trees as they can become missiles in a storm e/ ensure water tanks and solar water systems are fastened down properly f/ ensure all your flashlights are working and have some spare batteries in stock g/ clean and sterilize all your water containers and keep them handy h/ purchase your candles and matches now and store in a dry place i/ start to put your important documents into plastic bags to protect them from water j/ check where the nearest hurricane shelter to your home is situated k/ discuss hurricane preparedness with your District Committee Chairman or the EOC l/ ensure your home first aid kit is stocked up and available to all members of the family m/ discuss with all your family members what to do at the various stages of hurricanes The storm names for the 2000 hurricane season have already been named, and are as follows: Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Keith, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie and William. WILTON PARK CONFERENCE ON THE OVERSEAS TERRITORIES A conference under the title 'Overseas Territories: Into the New Millennium' was held at Wilton Park in the South of England on 3 and 4, April. Montserrat was represented at the conference, which aimed to explore the future of the partnership between Britain and the Overseas Territories, by the Hon. Dr Howard A Fergus, Speaker and the Hon. Brunel Meade, Minister of Agriculture Lands, Housing & the Environment. In a keynote address, Baroness Scotland, the British Government's Minister for Overseas Territories addressed, among other things, the question of tackling the future head on and the principles of partnership. She said: " We are positive about the future. In this world of global change it is very easy to be fearful of the future, and to shy away from it. In our relationship with the Overseas Territories we tackling the future head on. How? By recognising that the future of the Overseas Territories lies in the hand of those who live there. The change of name: from 'dependent territories' to 'overseas territories' was an important symbol of the shift in our approach. Neither we, nor the people of the Overseas Territories want a one-sided dependent relationship. What we want is a partnership. A partnership in which each side accepts its rights and responsibilities and works towards the success of the whole. This is the type of partnership Britain is building with the Overseas Territories. Looking forward, how then, do we plan to make this partnership a success? Firstly we need to take a look at the world around us, and realise that we live in a world of interdependency. To prosper, all of us need to work with the partners and friends we have. People, businesses and countries are all now working closer together than ever before. The United Kingdom has ties with the Commonwealth, the EU, NATO and the G7, to name a few. We recognise that our interests are best served by active positive participation in these fora. We and the overseas territories cannot ignore the world. For the Overseas Territories, partnership with the UK will help all of us to prosper. Secondly we need to welcome the contribution that our joint history can make to our partnership for the future. History is often described as baggage, and if it holds you back, it can be. But history also provides a well-spring of knowledge, of contacts, of inspiration, and of aspiration. Used properly, our history is there to help, not hinder us. Britain and the Overseas Territories have a wealth of history to draw upon, and if we are to prosper as we wish, we should use it. Thirdly, we need to develop an appropriate approach for each bilateral relationship within the overall UK - Overseas Territories relationship. I have already stressed the theme of partnership. The principles that we believe should be at the foundation of the partnership were set out clearly by Robin Cook in his Foreword to the White Paper. They will be familiar to you, but they can stand repetition. They are: A...self determination B...responsibilities of both partners C...the exercise of democratic practices in the territories to allow the people of the territories the greatest degree of control over their own lives D...continuance of British help to those OT's that need it Our commitment to maintaining the right of self-determination is unshakable. The people of the territories choose to remain British because they want to. Where independence is an option and if it were to be asked for, we would not stand in any territory's way. Neither do we have any hidden agenda to force any territory to go down the independence route." The FULL text of Baroness Scotland's speech can be found by following the links at the following web site: www.wiltonpark.org.uk
NEW LPG FACILITY TO BE CONSTRUCTED In early May, the Department for International Development (DFID) signed a contract with the Trinidad based company DAMUS Caribbean Ltd, for the design and construction of a new LPG facility at the Carr's Bay Fuel Terminal. The project is valued at EC$1.5 million and will allow for the safe storage of up to three months supply of LPG. This will form part of Montserrat's strategic fuel reserves and will also mean that all consumer's gas bottles can be filled on island. Sections of the installation have already been incorporated into previous construction at the site and bulk supplies of LPG will be discharged at sea directly into the pressure pipe manifold built parallel to the existing diesel and petrol delivery systems. The project is expected to be completed by November of this year and DAMUS plan to fully utilise local construction companies for the building and civil works associated with the project. Dick Hill Tank On completion of the Dick Hill reservoir, the tank was subjected to a series of tests during which time it was discovered that there were problems with the construction of the foundations over certain parts of the structure. The reservoir has therefore not been incorporated into the water supply network and alternative operating practices have been adopted to ensure the continued availability of water to all parts of the island. A project for the next stage of development of the water supply system is currently being designed. This project is considering all options to ensure the economic development of the water supply system to serve the future needs of the island. This is likely to include re-use of the existing reservoir at an alternative site and development of a smaller facility at Dick Hill. Emergency Control Centre Expenditure of EC$1 million has been approved for major modifications to the existing Emergency Department Building at St Johns to bring it to international standards. The work will be carried out by building around the existing working facilities and co-ordinating a carefully programmed handover to the new location. The Centre will remain operative throughout and the project is due for completion in time for the main hurricane season later in the year. The scheme also includes a study and analysis of the present warehousing facilities and the year round stock of emergency supplies which are kept there. Materials Grant Scheme A further EC$1 million was approved earlier in the year to allow the distribution of a further funds to prospective applicants wishing to build owner occupied houses under the Self Build Housing Scheme Site and Service Lots at Lookout Approval has been given for the appointment of consultants and the commissioning of air mapping analysis as the first phase of the development of additional housing plots at Lookout to the value of EC$860,000. The plots will be supplied with water and electricity and sewer connections and will be serviced by tarmac roads similar to the first phases of the existing project. The new plots however will be available not only for direct build housing but also for the provision of sheltered housing and direct purchase by individuals. Montserrat Volcano Observatory Approval has been given for the appointment of consultants and land survey matters for the new Observatory buildings at Flemings. The custom built buildings with good line of sight of the volcano will be specially designed to accommodate all specialist equipment and members of the public wishing to view the facilities. Disaster Preparedness 2000 Approval has been given for the appointment of consultants and survey matters for proposals to extend permanent emergency shelter facilities at the RMDF Headquarters at Geralds. A total of 120 places for emergency evacuees are planned which will be kept 'mothballed' ready for instant use after hurricane or volcano events. The wide ranging project, once approved , will also include improved road access to the Seventh Day Adventist Shelter at Mungo Hill and an early warning system for mud slides at the Belham Valley Bridge. Support to Montserrat Water Authority This project enables the continuation of the high quality water service provided by MWA through provision of funding for a General Manager and an Operations Manager. It also includes funds for training of key MWA staff and for attendance at conferences which will allow such staff to develop useful regional networks. Computerising Legal Records This project has been approved to ensure that legal records are stored in a reliable, secure and easy to access computerised system. This project responds to a regional drive to maintain legal records in an electronic format. OAS Caribbean Tourism Competitiveness and Sustainability Project This project aims to assist in the development of the small hotel sector on the island by setting quality standards and ratings systems, improving marketing skills and technology including web-site development, and raise awareness of tourism issues around the island. Davy Hill Wastewater Management Project This project aims to improve the environmental sustainability of disposal of treated wastewater at Davy Hill and to provide opportunities for income generation through irrigated citrus orchards. Heliport Approval of an addendum to the heliport project allows for the construction of additional facilities and will provide the necessary equipment to give a capability for the operation of night flights. The facilities include a new air traffic control building and a new terminal building. The addendum provides for additional electrical installations including flood lighting, specialist air navigation control equipment and additional control switch gear. Environmental improvements provided by the addendum include an asphalt overlay to the take off and landing area to reduce dust. Power 1 The power supply to Montserrat has been significantly strengthened through Power 1. The approval of an addendum to this project will allow the construction of a new control facility and the installation of equipment to allow for the efficient monitoring and control of the generating plant at Brades. The control centre will allow the constant monitoring of all the generating sets from a single location and will include enhanced staff facilities and storage. Roads Reinstatement and Drainage Provisions 2000 Through the project, all weather access for vehicles and pedestrians will be provided to the existing facilities and services identified for development in the Country Policy Plan and the Sustainable Development Plan. The migration of the population to the north of the island has increased vehicle movements on the northern roads significantly. Heavy rainfall during the 1999 hurricane season has contributed to the further deterioration of the roads, whilst damaged drainage channels and culverts are also causing instability in some areas. The works to be undertaken in this project will bring the roads to minimum acceptable safety standards and provide for the continued development of the north of the island. MONTSERRAT REPRESENTED AT PARALEGAL COURSE IN TRINIDAD A group of High Court Registrars and Registry Staff from the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court recently attended a Paralegal Course in Trinidad. They included the Acting Registrar from Montserrat, Hogarth Sergeant and the Senior Clerical Officer at the Registry, Merlita Ryner. The course was conducted at the Hugh Wooding Law School and was aimed at giving Registrars and Court Office Staff an orientation into the new Civil Procedures Rules. The new Rules have been drafted specifically with a view to overcoming the major problems that currently plague civil litigation in the High Courts of the Eastern Caribbean. These problems include delays in hearing cases, the high costs of litigation, a backlog of cases, and uncertainties surrounding litigation. The opening ceremony was addressed by His Lordship, the Hon. Dennis Byron, Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court who announced that the new Civil Procedures Rules will begin taking effect in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court from 15, September 2000. The participants were also addressed by two High Court Judges of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Justices Brian Alleyne, SC and Adrian Saunders. Participants looked at Case Flow Management and other procedural requirements of the new Rules and on Saturday 13, May, on completion of the course, recieved Paralegal Certification from the Council of Legal Education. The course was facilitated by the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and facilitators included its Principal, Justice Annestine Sealey. CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND STARTS AT LOOK-OUT In early April, the Montserrat branch of the Red Cross started it children's playground at Look-Out. A ground breaking ceremony, chaired by Dr Ronnie Cooper, was held on 10, April at the site and local Red Cross President, Mrs Lystra Osborne took the opportunity to give a background to the project. She told those assembled that the land for the playground had been donated by the Government of Montserrat and the design for it was by David K. Hodd. She particularly thanked Mr Hodd as he had donated his time to the project as community service. Funding for the playground had been received from several sources, explained Mrs Osborne. She said that monies had been received from The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, Sir George & Lady Martin's Music for Montserrat Fund and the Caribbean Lotteries Group. The playground will incorporate a children's adventure play area, a mini basketball court, gardens and a small community centre. The contract for the construction of the children's playground has been awarded to L & M Construction. The ground breaking was carried out by the Patron of the local branch of the Red Cross, Mrs Margaret Abbott, wife of H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott and the Hon. Chief Minister, Mr David S. Brandt. Mr Brandt also made some brief remarks and a poem was read by Look-Out resident Thandie Williams. Pastor Abraham Riley led those assembled in prayer and the vote of thanks was given by Camilla Watts, Director of the Red Cross. TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOPS COMPLETED Over the last few months Dr Roly Johnson a consultant to the Government of Montserrat has been holding several workshops to produce a cadre of trainers in the public and private sectors. A total of 32 trainers have been produced and these will now be able to respond to the training needs of the country. The training of trainers programme drew participants from government, the banks and the NDF. It was designed to enable participants to be exposed to the role of the trainer and the skills of training, appreciate the learning styles of adults, understand the training methods which facilitate learning and enhance their training and presentation skills. NEW FERRY & HELICOPTER SCHEDULES A recent press release from Montserrat Aviation Services gave details of a revised schedule for both the helicopter and ferry service to and from Montserrat. The Ferry Monday to Saturday (no service on Sunday)
The helicopter Thursday to Tuesday (no service on Wednesday)
Check in for both ferry and helicopter is one hour before departure time.
For reservations contact Montserrat Aviation Services (telephone 664 491 2362) and in Antigua (ferry only) Carib World Travel (telephone 268 460 6101) GOVERNOR'S OFFICE TO MOVE The Governor's Office, situated at McChesney's Estate in Olveston since the start of the volcanic crisis, is to move. The move is expected to be completed by the end of June with minimum disruption to the public. The Governor's Office telephone numbers and fax numbers will remain the same. Because of the impending move, there will be no more bookings taken for the conference room at McChesney's Estate. The new office will also be sited in Olveston on the road to the rear of the Salem Catholic Church and the Police Station in new property a few hundred yards from where ZJB Radio was situated in the early days of the volcanic crisis. TRADE MISSION IN PICTURES
MONTSERRAT TO HOST TWO LICA MATCHES
After months of rehabilitation work at the Salem Park, funded for the main part by a grant from the Governor's Office / DFID Small Grants Scheme, the ground has been passed fit to host two Leeward Island Tournament cricket matches this summer. Montserrat will be taking part in the competition after a four year absence because of the volcanic crisis and will play three matches away from home and two at home. Previously all LICA matches have been played at Sturge Park. Earlier this year a representative from WICB visited the ground and expressed satisfaction with the progress made on ground extensions and improvements. At a recent meeting of LICA in Anguilla, Montserrat Cricket Association President, Mr John Smith proposed that the ground be included in the Leeward's fixture list for the 2000 tournament and this was accepted. Montserrat will host Antigua from 8 - 10, June and St Kitts from 15 - 18, June for two three day games and two one day games at Salem Park. NEW HEAD FOR DFID MONTSERRAT
The DFID office in Montserrat has a new head. He is Barry Kavanagh from Scotland. A former police officer, he has worked for DFID for almost 20 years in Africa, the Pacific area, and for the last three years, in the Balkans. He was a Field Manager for DFID's Return & Rehabilitation Project in Bosnia / Herzegovina and as First Secretary to the Know How Fund in Macedonia at the British Embassy there. He is married to a Primary School Head Teacher and has two grown up sons and a daughter. He is a keen football and cricket fan. NEW TRAVEL ADVICE FOR MONTSERRAT The Foreign & Commonwealth Office in Britain has published a new travel advice for persons considering visiting Montserrat. This follows the recent scientific assessment of the Soufriere Hills Volcano. The advice states:- "The following advice reflects the findings of the latest scientific assessment of the status of the Soufriere Hills Volcano and the associated risks to health conducted in April 2000. Activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano in the south of Montserrat continues and, with the exception of Iles Bay Hill, all areas below a line from the Belham River Valley in the west to the airport in the east remain in the Exclusion Zone. The authorities are, however, presently allowing access during daylight hours to Corkhill, Foxes Bay, and Richmond Hill. Other areas in the south and east of Montserrat, including Plymouth, are considered to be at high risk from volcanic activity and access is forbidden. Although there has been little ash fall from the volcano in the occupied areas of Montserrat in recent months, it is possible to experience ash fall in any part of the island should there be a large volcanic event. This may cause discomfort for people suffering from respiratory problems such as asthma. Although there is a well equipped 30 bed hospital which provides a 24 hour casualty service, anyone requiring specialist medical attention may need to travel to a neighbouring island. Visitors should therefore ensure that they have adequate medical insurance which should also cover the cost of medical evacuation. W.H. Bramble Airport remains closed but visitors can travel to the island by helicopter or high speed ferry from Antigua. For further information contact Montserrat Aviation Services (telephone 1 664 491 2362) or Carib World Travel (telephone 1 268 460 6101) in Antigua (ferry service only). All visitors arriving in Montserrat are urged to collect at their port of entry a copy of the current risk map and information on the procedures for entering the Day Time Entry Zone. Anyone entering this zone should carry a portable radio tuned to Radio Montserrat (FM 91.9 and 95.5). Should warning sirens sound instructions on what to do will be broadcast on Radio Montserrat. THE CONTAMINATED FUEL ISSUE In early April, many Montserrat motorists suffered due to contaminated fuel being delivered to their cars from the island's lone petrol station. On Saturday 8, April the Tug Hercules and the Barge Global 1 discharged fuel to Montserrat. First of all 58,800 gallons of diesel was pumped from off shore through the floating delivery line and this was followed by over 17,000 gallons of petrol. Between the two deliveries, the fuel supervisor of the Emergency Department, supervised the pumping of water through the line for five minutes and then five minutes of pumping air through the line to dry it. This is the normal procedure and both the water and air was pumped by the delivery barge operated by the fuel suppliers. The 17,000+ gallons of petrol was pumped into the storage tanks at Carr's Bay and about an hour later the first 2500 gallons were taken to the petrol station at Sweeneys by the usual road tanker. The product was sold to the public and almost immediately complaints began to surface. The complaints were passed on to the Emergency Department the following day. On Monday 10, April the Emergency Department contacted the fuel suppliers overseas and the next day sent a sample of the fuel to Antigua for testing at the West Indies Oil Company laboratory. The tests, carried out at the request of the suppliers, showed that the petrol was contaminated by diesel. The suppliers arranged to remove the contaminated fuel immediately and this was replaced with a fresh supply on 15, April. This fresh supply was tested and found not to be contaminated and was put on sale to the general public. There have been no complaints about this delivery of fuel. The Emergency Department have reviewed all their procedures and have ruled out any possibility of the contamination having taken place after the fuel was delivered. They have advised the supplier that claims for compensation might be made against them and have invited the general public to register their costs re cleaning of the contaminated fuel from their cars and associated work to re-tune the car. Government's legal department will forward all such claims to the supplier.
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Wednesday
10, May saw the first ever British Trade Mission visit Montserrat. The
mission was on a swing around the Eastern Caribbean and included the island
on its itinerary at the suggestion of Mr Rudi Page, the Managing Director
of Statecraft who has close business and family ties to Montserrat.
A
new phase of lava dome growth started at the Soufriere Hills volcano in
November 1999 after 20 months of residual volcanic activity. The new dome
had grown to a volume of some 32 million cubic metres before, on 20th
March 2000, there was a major collapse that removed almost all of the
new lava. As a matter of fact, this was the second largest collapse since
volcanic activity began in July 1995, and pyroclastic flows moved more
than a mile out into the Caribbean Sea at the end of the Tar River valley.
University
of the West Indies Resident Tutor, Howard Fergus is currently preparing
the manuscript for a book entitled: Montserrat in the Twentieth Century:
Tribulations and Triumphs. 
