Salem Campus Undergoes Rehabilitation

The secondary school at Salem Campus has been subject to a major refurbishment exercise to have the school ready for occupation in September 2000 for the opening of the new school year. The project has included the relocation of Shelter inhabitants and the dismantling and removal of all temporary shelters. Work on the

campus itself has included:

The refurbishment is being financed by DFID and the estimated cost of this exercise is £776,000 (over EC$3 million). Classrooms will be ready for pupils at the start of the academic year and additional funding is being made available for new school furniture scheduled to arrive early next year to supplement the school's existing stock.

All the work at the site has been carried out by the following main contractors:
J E Galloway Construction, Tuitt and Tuitt, and Mark Greenaway ( landscaping ). All roads and drainage works have been by the PWD Engineering Department.

It is reported that Ministry of Education officials are pleased with the work carried out on the site and that teachers and students are looking forward to moving back to the Salem campus.

The Montserrrat Secondary School has been using the buildings at the Look-out School site as a temporary campus for several years. The curent principal of the Secondary School is Miss Kathleen Greenaway.

SOFT MORTGAGE SCHEME AGREEMENT SIGNED

Officials from the Government of Montserrat, DFID and the Bank of Montserrat recently signed the agreement putting the Soft Mortgage Scheme in place.

The agreement was signed by Head of DFID (Montserrat) Mr Barry Kavanagh on behalf of DFID, the Hon. Chief Minister, Mr David Brandt on behalf of the Government of Montserrat and by Mr D.V.R. Edwards (Chairman) and Mr John Allen (Secretary) on behalf of the Bank of Montserrat.

The agreement releases EC$7.5 million into the financing of mortgages for people who were displaced by volcanic activity in areas south of the Belham Valley.

To determine eligibility, prospective applicants will need to contact the Government's Housing Unit in Brades and if the Unit confirms that the applicant can access the scheme, the applicant must then make a mortgage application to the Bank of Montserrat. The bank's own institutional lending criteria must be met for an applicant to receive a mortgage which are for up to 25 years in duration. DFID, under the agreement, will guarantee the mortgages to the Bank of Montserrat.

INVESTITURE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

There was an investiture ceremony at Government House on Tuesday 1, August.

Receiving the OBE, awarded in the 2000 New Year's Honours List, was Mrs Claudia James Roach who is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Department of Administration.

Also awarded in the New Year's Honours list was an MBE to Mr Neville Antonio Dublin the Head of the Cable & Wireless Business Unit in Montserrat for his service to the telecommunications industry, he too received his award on 1, August.

Fr Larry Finnegan of the Roman Catholic Church received two awards; the Montserrat Certificate and Badge of Honour, awarded in 1999 and an Honorary MBE awarded in the New Years Honours List. Fr Finnegan's MBE award was an Honorary one as he is ia citizen of Ireland.

The investiture ceremony was a new style one with several additions made to previous ones. The awards were presented by H.E. the Governor, assisted by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Alex Elder and Lt Horatio Tuitt. The citations were read by Richard Aspin and the roll call was by Mrs Claudia Skerritt of the Department of Administration.

LANCASTER HOUSE OFFICIALLY OPENS

The new Governor's Office in Olveston was officially opened on Monday 31, July at a ceremony attended by a wide cross section of the public. Named Lancaster House the building is situated on the road behind the Salem Police Station.

The building was blessed by Fr Larry Finnegan of the local Catholic Church who led those present in prayer. Speakers included H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott and there was a rendition of "God Bless This House" by soprano Sarah Allen accompanied on guitar by Steve Deane.

The ceremony included the opening of a photographic exhibition 'Landmarks of Britain' in the conference room of the new offices.

Later in the week, the offices were thrown open to the general public for an open day to celebrate the 100th bithday of Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Over 200 Montserratians attended the open day, touring the offices, watching videos and internet displays, attending the photographic exhibition and viewing a British Trade Literature library.

A book for birthday greetings to Her Royal Highness was opened and many people added their signature for sending on to Buckingham Palace.

The photograhic exhibition "Landmarks of Britain" is still available for viewing and any member of the public who has still not seen it and wishes to do so are invited to phone Lancaster House at 491 2688 to arrange a time to visit.

Governor speaks at Lookout Day

H.E. the Governor, Mr. Tony Abbott attended Look-Out Day on July 1st and delivered the following address:
It is with great pleasure that I am here today to help you celebrate Lookout Day 2000 . Today comes at the end of a packed week of activities for you all, I understand that you have had great crowds for your run and cricket matches.

This time last year, I challenged you all to make Lookout the epitome of a Caribbean community by coming together to seek one identity and to work to make this an ideal area in which to live in. Since then, great strides have been made to make the area an enviable one in which to live. All the houses have been completed, roads and drains have been installed, children's play areas and hardcourts are being provided and gardens are beginning to take shape.

Hopefully we will soon see shops in the area and that you will have a community centre in which to meet. The Lookout School, currently being used as the Secondary School, will soon revert to being a primary school and this will also help to mould the community into a cohesive unit, one that you can all be proud of.

However, it is not infrastructure alone that forges a community - it is the people that live there. I am pleased that Kenneth Lee, Shirley Weekes, Jerome Meade, Delina Mason, Bernadine Collins and others have seen the need to form your community action group and to help in the building of this area into a vibrant and enjoyable place to live. They have been active in arranging meetings and functions such as this 'Action week' which has been so well supported.

However, this support for the community should not only be given during 'activity weeks' but on an ongoing basis.

For my part, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the local community on their endeavours and wish them every success in the future. That the area has already produced a District Disaster Committee to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season is proof that the residents of Lookout are taking their responsibilities seriously and that they are passionately interested in their surroundings.

Everyone who lives in the area needs to be a 'good neighbour' by looking in on the elderly and those with very young children to assist with shopping, transportation, and, most important of all, an occasional smile and a kind word.

The British Government, the Government of Montserrat and regional governments have done their best to build this community - it is now up to you to turn it into a loving, caring community where everyone enjoys living.

I hope today's activities are successful and enjoyable to all and that this community at Lookout goes from strength to strength in the years to come.

H.R.H. QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER CELEBRATES HER 100th BIRTHDAY

H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother celebrated her 100th birthday in London on Friday 4th August.

In Montserrat the event was celebrated by having an open day at the Governor's Office in Olveston where a birthday book was opened for Montserratians to sign to send their greetings.

H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott sent H.R.H. greetings on behalf of all of Montserrat and the over 150 signatures from the book sent along with the message.

Our photograph shows H.R.H. The Queen Mother leaving the Guards Chapel in London's Wellington Barracks after attending a thanksgiving service to mark the diamond jubilee of the Foundation for Disabled People's, of which she is the patron.

RFA BLACK ROVER VISITS MONTSERRAT

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Black Rover paid a courtesy call to Montserrat on 2/3 August and hosted a number of events whilst on island.

The most popular of these events was a children's party held at Little Bay and hosted by the ship's officers and crew. 120 children were treated to boat rides around the bay, party games, a movie and to a barbecue supper. The children were drawn from the summer school programme that was ongoing at the time of the ship's visit.

The Black Rover acts as the support ship to the West Indies Guard Ship (currently HMS Cardiff) and is one of three small fleet-support tankers in the RFA flotilla. She was built in 1974 and has a crew of 59 under the command of Captain Dale Worthington.

The primary role of Black Rover is to replenish British warships with fuel, oil, lubricants, fresh water and food. However, when in Caribbean waters, the Black Rover also has a role in providing disaster relief in the aftermath of disasters.

Whilst in Montserrat the Captain and senior officers paid courtesy calls on H.E. the Governor and the Hon. Chief Minister and met with MVO and Emergency Department officials.

DIRECTOR OF AMERICAS COMMAND VISITS MONTSERRAT

Mr Richard Wilkinson,CVO, the newly appointed Director of the Americas Command within Britain's Foreign & Commonwealth Office visited Montserrat on the 7 and 8 August. During his visit, Mr Wilkinson met with H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott, the Hon. Chief Minister, Mr David S. Brandt, other Ministers of Government, the Hon.Speaker of LEGCO, Dr Fergus and members of the opposition in LEGCO.

He visited several projects including housing at Look-out and Davy Hill, the Port, the Emergency Department and the Secondary School. He was briefed by the Interim Director of the MVO, Dr Gill Norton on the status of the volcano and had an overflight in the helicopter.

Mr Wilkinson has taken over from Peter Westmacott as Director of the Americas Command. This is a senior position within the Foreign Office with responsibility for all of North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. The visit to Montserrat was the first to a UK Overseas Territory in Mr Wilkinson's new role. He was formerly the British Ambassador to Venezuela.

NEW STAFF AT THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

Lancaster House in Olveston - the Governor's Office - has recently seen some major staff changeovers.

The new Head of the Governor's Office is Mr David Graham who has come to Montserrat from the British Embassy in South Korea. Mr Graham, who is accompanied by his wife Anne Marie, replaces Mr Bob Webb, OBE who has returned to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London after over three years on the island.

Another new face in Lancaster House is Staff Officer, Mr Geoff Patton who has transferred from India. He replaces outgoing Staff Officer, Lara Hoffman who has been posted to Estonia after serving one year in Montserrat.

TV CHEF TRAINS MONTSERRATIANS

The Department for International Development (DFID) has financed a training programme organised by the National Development Foundation (NDF) which has brought TV Chef, Orlando Satchel to Montserrat to train those employed in the local food and beverage sector in the hospitality industry.

Mr Satchel is a world renowned Chef and Caribbean Food Consultant who has string of TV appearances against his name, including the BBC's Good Food Programme in England.

His one month training stint in Montserrat takes him to the Tropical Mansions Suites Hotel, (TMSH) various resturants and to the kitchens of bed & breakfast establishments.

He brings experience of working in restaurants in Singapore, London and the Caribbean with him and at the end of his stay will mount a culinary display at TMSH put on by trainees under his current programme.

The NDF is presently in discussions with DFID for financing for other training programmes to support the island's tourism industry.

ON 18TH JULY 2000, MONTSERRAT SAW THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOUFRIERE HILLS VOLCANO. The MVO has provided this history of the eruption. CHRONOLOGY OF THE ERUPTION OF THE SOUFRIERE HILLS VOLCANO, MONTSERRAT

Stage 1: Pre-eruptive seismic activity

January 92 Start of earthquake swarms in southern Montserrat.

June 94 One of the largest precursory earthquake swarms.

Stage 2: Start of eruption-phreatic stage

18 July 95 Initial steam and ash venting from the northwest crater. Further vents opened on 28 July, 20, 22 and 28 August. The initial stage of the eruption was wholly phreatic, with small amounts of ash and vigorous steaming.

12 to 13 August 95 Strong earthquake swarm beneath St George's Hill, with over 30 felt earthquakes.

21 August 95 First large phreatic eruption, which blanketed Plymouth in a thick ash cloud and caused darkness for about 15 minutes. First evacuation of southern Montserrat initiated shortly afterwards.

Stage 3: Start of dome activity

Late September 95 First signs of dome growth in English's Crater, and the appearance of a small spine in the southwest of the crater. Accompanied by the first swarm of hybrid earthquakes, from 22 to 29 September.

17 October 95 Mud flow from the southeast side of the crater.

30 October 95 Another large phreatic eruption.

Stage 4: Quiet dome-building

14 November 95 First indication of new dome growth within the 18 July vent. Increased deformation measured by the Castle Peak Electronic Distance Measurement line.

24 to 25 November 95 Intense swarm of hybrid earthquakes, which lasted for several days and developed into low-amplitude volcanic tremor.

30 November 95 Confirmation of dome growth within the 18 July vent, with incandescent lava seen for the first time.

1 to 2 December 95 Evacuation of southern Montserrat, until 1 January 96.

January to March 96 Continued dome growth in English's Crater, with hybrid earthquake swarms, small rockfalls from the dome, and continued slow deformation.

Stage 5: Dome collapses and pyroclastic flows

29 March 96 First small pyroclastic flows from the dome into the upper Tar River valley.

3 April 96 Pyroclastic flow traveled about 1.5 miles from the dome, to the road which crosses the Tar River valley. Third evacuation started.

6 and 8 April 96 Further pyroclastic flows caused by collapses of the eastern face of the dome.

12 May 96 "Mothers Day" pyroclastic flows reached the sea for the first time.

May 96 Continued dome growth, concentrated in the northeast sector of the crater. The seismic activity dominated by rockfall signals, and there were few earthquakes. Continued slow deformation measurable only at sites close to the dome (Castle Peak and Chances Peak).

9 June 96 Switch in dome growth to the northwest. Dome growth in subsequent days lead to the over-topping of Gages Wall.

19 June 96 Dome growth switched again to the north and southwestern sectors of the dome.

Stage 6: Increased activity and build-up to the explosive eruption

20 July 96 Increase in the amount of seismic activity, with the occurrence of high numbers of shallow earthquakes for the first time since dome growth began. Accompanied by a major increase in the magma production rate, and a switch in dome activity to the eastern side of the crater. Rate of deformation on the eastern side increased to about 6 mm per day.

25 to 29 July 96 High rate of magma production of about 10 cubic metres per second, which led to major collapses and pyroclastic flows in Tar River valley. Start of period of intense seismic activity, with repetitive episodes of tremor, and hybrid and volcano-tectonic earthquakes, which lasted until 11 August.

11 to 12 August 96 Further dome collapses lead to pyroclastic flows.

21 August 96 Further dome collapse, pyroclastic flows to sea in the Tar River Valley.

2 to 3 September 96 More pyroclastic flows.

Early September 96 Frequent volcano-tectonic earthquake swarms.

17 September 96 A series of dome collapses lead to the first magmatic explosion during this eruption, at 23:46 on 17 September. Rocks and pumice fell in the south of the island, and houses were destroyed at Long Ground. A major ash plume rose to about 40,000 ft, and about 600,000 tonnes of ash was deposited in southern Montserrat. About one-quarter of the dome was removed during the dome collapses and subsequent explosion.

Stage 7: Continued dome growth and the Galway's Wall

1 October 96 First sign of continued dome growth, with the appearance of a new dome at the base of the scar left by the explosion.

21 October 96 Restart of shallow earthquake swarms, which continued through until 8 December. The earthquakes were accompanied by deformation of the Galway's Wall, the south part of the crater rim. Many landslides occurred from the outside face of the wall, and several cracks opened up across the wall near Chances Peak.

11 December 96 Restart of dome growth, in the southwest of the crater. The "December 11" dome grew rapidly to exceed the height of the October 1 dome, and was soon sending pyroclastic flows down the south side of the Tar River valley.

25 December 96 Following partial collapse of the December 11 dome on 19 December, dome growth switched back to the October 1 dome. The "Santa Lobe" grew rapidly on top of the dome, and between 25 December and 5 January, was extruding at the highest sustained rate seen during this eruption. The dome expanded to the east, over Castle Peak, which started to erode away as rockfalls fell over and around the Peak.

January 97 Steady dome growth, with occasional moderate pyroclastic flows, especially intense episodes on 8, 9 and 16 January.

20 January 97 Short-duration collapse which excavated part of the south-east dome. Fresh dome growth started immediately, forming the "January 20" dome within the collapse scar.

1 to 2 February 97 Further degradation of the Galway's Wall, allowing dome material to collapse over the wall for the first time.

30 March 97 First sizable pyroclastic flows to the south, over Galway's Wall and into the White River valley. Galway's Soufriere and Great Alps waterfall covered by pyroclastic deposits. Flows reach 3.6 km down the White River.

1 to 11 April 97 Major pyroclastic flows down White River to within 500 m of the sea at O'Garras.

Stage 8: Continued dome growth: pyroclastic flows to north and west

14 May 97 Beginning of rock fall activity on north face of dome.

19 May 97 First rockfall spilled in to Tuitt's Ghaut.

29 May 97 First pyroclastic flow activity in northern ghauts 2 to 14 June 97 Pyroclastic flows down Tuitt's Ghaut travelling to 2.9 km from the crater.

15 June 97 Significant changes in Mosquito Ghaut. Pyroclastic flow material advanced 500m down the Ghaut. Debris from a small rockfall in Gage's Valley.

16 June 97 Pyroclastic flows in Gage's Valley travelling 1.6 km from the crater rim. Smaller pyroclastic flows occurred in Mosquito and Tuitt's Ghaut.

17 June 97 Significant pyroclastic flow activity in Mosquito Ghaut to a distance of 4 km. Lesser activity in Gage's Valley with pyroclastic flows travelling 200 m further than previously.

24 June 97 Small pyroclastic flows down Mosquito Ghaut for the first time since 17 June, travelling 1 km from the crater rim. Focus of dome growth confirmed at top of Mosquito Ghaut.

25 June 97 Major pyroclastic flows in Mosquito Ghaut reached to within 50 m of the airport. Surges and flows devastated Streathams, Rileys, Harris, Windy Hill, Bramble, Bethel, Spanish Point, Trants, and Farms. Surge reached into Belham valley as far as Cork Hill. 19 fatalities.

27 June 97 Small explosions from the dome scattered rock fragments to Fox's Bay.

28 June 97 Pyroclastic flow over Gages wall as far as Webbs village.

1 July 97 Pyroclastic flow to Catholic Church, Plymouth. Early July 97 Continued small pyroclastic flows in Mosquito Ghaut and Fort Ghaut.

Middle July 97 Continued dome growth with rockfall activity.

Stage 9: Major flows to west and vulcanian explosions

31 July 97 Continuous and semi-continuous volcanic tremor and ash venting. Small pyroclastic flows.

1 August 97 Resumption of cyclical behaviour with hybrid swarms followed by pyroclastic flows.

3 August 97 Major pyroclastic flows into Plymouth. Burning of buildings on the side of Fort Ghaut.

4 August 97 Second episode of major pyroclastic flows into Plymouth. Large flow lobe overtopped Fort Ghaut into Dagenham as far as the Technical College. Afternoon eruption showed definite explosive behaviour with a dark jet of material to 2,000 feet in the north. Pumice fragments to 1.5 cm fall at observatory.

5 to 8 August 97 Explosions on 12 hour cycle with ash clouds to 40,000 feet, and pumice clasts to 8 cm at observatory. Column collapse of explosion cloud.

9 to 10 August 97 Hybrid earthquake swarms without explosive activity.

11 to 12 August 97 Two small explosions.

Stage 10: Continued dome growth and re-location of the MVO

Late August to September 97 Continued hybrid swarms superseded by high level rockfall activity as the dome grew rapidly within the crater excavated by the explosions of early August.

9 September 97 Montserrat Volcano Observatory moved from site in Old Towne to new facility at Mongo Hill in the north.

Stage 11: Major dome collapse to north-east and resumption of vulcanian explosions

21 September 97 Major dome collapse to north-east of the volcano engulfed the area between Trant's Yard and White's Yard, destroying W. H. Bramble airport terminal building and entering the sea at various points along the coast.

22 September to 21 October 97 Second series of vulcanian explosions occurred at approximately 10 hour intervals, but with little or no precursory activity. In total 76 explosions occurred and ash clouds were sent up to 40,000 feet with pumice fragments falling over all the island.

Stage 12: Continued dome growth and dome collapses to south-west

22 October to 4 November 97 Continued hybrid swarms superseded by high level rockfall activity as the dome grew rapidly within the crater excavated by the explosions of September and early October. A few large pyroclastic flows occurred to the south of the volcano into the White River valley, reaching the sea at O'Garra's.

4 November 97 Elevated rockfall activity prior to dome collapse in the south, pyroclastic flows down White River Valley, reaching the sea at O'Garra's. Ash clouds rose to 10,000 ft above the dome.

6 November 97 Hybrid swarm and high amplitude tremor followed by pyroclastic flows down White River Valley. Ash clouds from flows and venting reached 15,000 ft.

Stage 13: Continued dome growth

7 to 26 November 97 Hybrid swarms and rockfall signals dominate as the dome grew rapidly within the scar produced by the 4 and 6 November collapses.

27 November 97 Small dome collapse in the south with continuous but relatively small pyroclastic flows down White River Valley.

1 December 97 Pyroclastic flow activity down White River Valley preceded by heightened rockfall activity.

2 to 23 December 97 Continued growth of the dome on the southern side of the volcano with rockfall and long period signals.

Stage 14: Debris avalanche and major dome collapse to the south with extensive surge

24 to 25 December 97 Large hybrid swarm with events every 20 minutes increasing in intensity during 25 December.

26 December 97 Debris avalanche down the White River Valley at 03:00. Triggered a series of very large pyroclastic flows which destroyed a wide area to the south-west of the volcano and a very energetic surge which may have been associated with a lateral blast.

26 December 97 to 4 January 98 High level of earthquake activity and small pyroclastic flows to south-west. Dome growth resumed in scar left by dome collapse.

Stage 15: Continued dome growth

4 to 16 January 98 Low seismicity related to continued dome growth within the 26 December scar.

17 January to 1 March 98 Increase in seismicity with periods of continuous rockfall and ash venting producing ash plumes to 6,000 ft. Small pyroclastic flows down White River Valley with associated ashfall in Antigua. Periodic swarms of volcano-tectonic and hybrid earthquakes coincided with increased rockfall activity. Moderate ash fall in north of the island in early February.

2 to 7 March 98 Very low seismicity, significant decrease in rockfall activity. Large spine appeared.

Stage 16: Cessation of dome growth

8 to 10 March 98 Dome growth ceased.

Stage 17: Dome degradation and residual activity

11 March to 2 July 98 Seismicity low, deformation slow.

3 July 98 Dome collapse down Tar River valley without precursory activity removed approximately 20 % of the dome complex. Small explosion from dome 11 hours after collapse. Part of Long Ground village affected by ash cloud surge.

3 to 7 July 98 Rockfall activity elevated and an increase in the number of volcano-tectonic earthquakes.

8 to 24 July 98 Low levels of rockfall activity and few earthquakes, deformation low, although small pyroclastic flows and rockfalls continued to degrade the dome.

25 July 98 Swarm of 68 volcano-tectonic earthquakes with no outward manifestation on the volcano.

26 July to 18 August 98 Low levels of rockfall activity, seismicity and deformation. Small pyroclastic flows and rockfalls continued to degrade the dome.

19 to 21 August 98 Rockfall signal followed by tremor which continued for two days and correlated with vigorous ash venting from within the July 3rd scar.

21 August to 20 September 98 Low levels of activity with occasional periods of tremor correlated with increased venting. Small pyroclastic flows and rockfalls continued to degrade the dome.

20 to 21 September 98 Passage of Hurricane Georges to north of the island resulted in 6 inches of rainfall overnight. Extensive mudflows on all flanks of the volcano. Inundation of Belham Bridge, extensive deposits in Plymouth, substantial new deposits on Bramble airport runway.

21 September to 12 October 98 Small pyroclastic flows and rockfalls continued to degrade the dome.

13 October to 12 November 98 More frequent pyroclastic flows from the dome reached the sea down Tar River, the port in Plymouth and the sea down White River. Large scar developed in the dome slicing the dome into two from east-south-east to west-north-west from the July 3 scar to above Gages.

13 to 28 November 98 Small pyroclastic flows and rockfalls continued to degrade the dome. Several episodes of low amplitude seismic tremor coupled with ash venting.

28 to 29 November 98 Heavy rain resulted in extensive mudflows down all flanks of the volcano. Up to one metre of new material was deposited on Belham Bridge and there was further deposition in Plymouth and on the airport runway.

4 December to 5 December 98 Increased number of volcano-tectonic earthquakes with a swarm of over 60 events overnight.

6 December to 13 December 98 Continued degradation of the dome with occasional ash and steam venting episodes.

14 December 98 Dome collapse down Tar River valley, pyroclastic flows reached the sea and generated an ash cloud to 20,000 ft.

15 December to 18 December 98 Rockfalls and small pyroclastic flows continue to degrade the dome. The existence of a substantial vent in the central cleft of the dome confirmed. Occasional very vigorous ash venting episodes; maximum ash cloud height is 15,000 ft.

19 December 98 Pyroclastic flow traveled down Tar River valley. The onset of the event was observed to be explosive with jets of ash and rock bursting from the dome.

21 December 98 Large seismic signal correlated with very vigorous ash and steam venting generated from main vent. Dense black jets containing large rocks were observed, rocks were carried to heights of 80 m above the vent.

22 December to 27 December 98 Continued degradation of the dome with few rockfalls and a small pyroclastic flow. Occasional short periods of ash venting coupled with low amplitude tremor.

28 December 98 Heavy rains led to several mudflows affecting the Belham River valley and Plymouth area in particular. Fresh deposits are up to 0.5 m thick at Belham Bridge.

29 December 98 to 13 January 99 Continued degradation of dome by rockfall activity, occasional ash and steam venting episodes. Slight increase in number of long period and hybrid earthquakes.

13 to 20 January 99 Small dome collapse pyroclastic flows with ash clouds to about 20,000 ft.

21 January to 28 February 99 Continued degradation of dome by rockfall activity, occasional ash and steam venting episodes. Occasional larger pyroclastic flows with ash clouds to 15,000 feet.

1 March to 30 April 99 Increased level of activity with small explosions, ash venting episodes or dome collapse pyroclastic flows producing ash clouds to about 20,000 feet. There were 23 events in March and 21 events in April with the peak in activity occurring in early April with up to 3 events per day.

1 to 21 May 99 Continued degradation of dome by rockfall activity, occasional ash and steam venting episodes.

22 to 23 May 99 Volcano-tectonic earthquake swarm with 121 events recorded between 07:00 and 17:00, followed by a small dome collapse down the Tar River valley producing an ash cloud to 19,000 feet.

23 May to 4 June 99 Continued degradation of dome by rockfall activity, occasional ash and steam venting episodes.

5 June 99 Dome collapse from north-east sector of the dome producing new deposits in Tuitt's Ghaut, White's Bottom Ghaut and Tar River. New large whole produced in dome above Tuitt's Ghaut.

5 June to 20 July 99 Continued degradation of dome by rockfall activity, occasional ash and steam venting episodes.

20 July 99 Large dome collapse down Tar River producing ash cloud to 35,000 feet with ashfall as far north as Saba.

21 to 28 July 99 Slightly elevated activity with small explosions and pyroclastic flows.

August 99 Lower level of activity, with reduced gas emissions, occasional small dome collapses with associated pyroclastic flows and low levels of volcano deformation.

3 to 9 September 99 Increased activity with a substantial explosion on 3 September and subsequent collapse events and enhanced rockfall activity in the following 7 days.

10 September 99 The passage of Hurricane Floyd to the north of Montserrat produced heavy rain over the weekend of 9/10 September, triggering a number of mudflows in valleys around the volcano.

11 September to 20 October 99 Lower level of activity, with reduced gas emissions, occasional small dome collapses with associated pyroclastic flows and low levels of volcano deformation.

20 October 99 Passage of Hurricane Jose to the north of Montserrat producing to five and a half inches of rain in six and a half hours thus leading to mudflows down all flanks of the volcano.

21 October to 2 November 99 Slightly elevated activity with small explosions and pyroclastic flows, possibly as a result of water infiltration into the volcano following the heavy rain from Hurricane Jose.

3 to 8 November 99 Hybrid earthquake swarm: the first since the cessation of dome growth in March 1998. The swarm consisted of 213 hybrid earthquakes.

8 to 9 November 99 Two explosions sending ash to 20,000 to 25,000 feet followed by periods of tremor. Fall-out from the explosions contained small pumice fragments. Long period earthquakes dominate the seismic signals.

10 to 16 November 99 Occasional tremor episodes continue together with one hybrid swarm.

17 to 19 November 99 Passage of Hurricane Lenny to the north of Montserrat producing heavy rain and consequent mudflows down all flanks of the volcano. Several small ash venting episodes and small explosions, probably related to the heavy rain.

20 to 26 November 99 Low level seismicity with few small hybrid earthquakes and rockfall events.

Stage 18: Renewal of dome growth

27 November 99 New lava dome observed in the base of the crater within the 1995-98 lava dome. Observations on 29 November 99 show that the new dome is about 100 m wide at its base and about 60 m tall.

28 November 99 to 21 January 2000 Seismicity increases with periods of banded tremor approximately 10 hours apart and hybrid and long period earthquakes coalescing into tremor. The new dome continues to grow. In mid January 00, the volume of the dome was measured at about 15 million cubic metres and with an average extrusion rate of about 3 cubic metres per second.

22 January to 1 February 00 Seismicity decreases with fewer hybrid earthquakes and periods of tremor recorded.

2 February 00 First substantial pyroclastic flow from the new dome travels down the Tar River valley onto the delta. Rockfall and seismic activity increases significantly in succeeding days.

6 February 00 Further pyroclastic flow down Tar River valley, reaching the delta.

7 to 11 February 00 Rockfall activity remains high, with several small pyroclastic flows.

12 to 20 March 00 Seismic activity decreases, but observations show that the dome continues to grow as the talus slope builds out to the east.

Stage 19: First dome collapse of 99-00 dome

20 March 00 Major dome collapse of 99-00 dome with virtually all the new growth avalanching down Tar River. Followed by several small vulcanian explosions. Event probably triggered by heavy rainfall. Extensive mudflow activity also.

Stage 20: Dome growth continues

21 March 00 to present Resumption of dome growth marked by hybrid and long period earthquakes, banded tremor and rockfall activity.

UWI GRADUATION CEREMONY

The University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies in Montserrat held a Graduation Ceremony on Monday evening 14, August at the Brades Pentecostal Church. Receiving certificates at the ceremony were five successful students who had completed the Certificate in Public Administration during the last academic year. In addition some 24 persons received certificates in the Care of the Elderly. The certificates were presented by Mrs Mary Cooper, MBE.

The programme saw presentations by the Resident Tutor, Dr Howard A. Fergus, the Hon. Chief Minister, Mr David Brandt and the Hon. Minister for Education, Health & Community Services Mrs Adelina Tuitt. Dr Ronnie Cooper chaired the proceedings and the vote of thanks given by Mr Charles Thompson.

A musical interlude was presented by Miss Ann Marie Dewar and winning poems from the last creative writing competition were presented by their authors Shirley Spycalla and Laura Taylor who placed first and second respectively in the competition.

Dr Fergus' new book, Volcano Songs: Poems of an Island in Agony, published by Macmillan was officially released at the ceremony and the author read two selections from the book.

The UWI's mission is to unlock West Indian potential for economic and cultural growth by high quality teaching and research aimed at meeting critical regional needs, by providing West Indian society with an active intellectual centre and by linking the West Indian community with distinguished centres of research and teaching in the Caribbean and overseas.

The UWI recognises that as a regional university supported by West Indian people, and as the sole local organ equipped to meet local requirements and to relate its own developmental programmes to them, it should give priority to regional needs.

The University's motto is Oriens Ex Occidente Lux (A Light Rising From The West).

ADDRESS BY HE THE GOVERNOR AT THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE AND HOUSING WORKSHOP ON 21 JULY 2000 AT THE VUE POINTE HOTEL

The care of the mentally ill has always been of concern for as long as I have been on island. But we might start by having a look at the background. prior to the volcanic crisis, care of the of the mentally ill appears to have been reasonably well handled primarily by family and community groups working closely and in unison. However, the exodus of many of the population and the relocation of others has changed the whole structure of community life on Montserrat. It is probably correct to say, that roughly the same number of persons suffering from mental illness when the population was 10-11,000 remains the same today. This number is estimated to be about 100 though many of these are functioning at different levels of capability.

A smaller percentage of that number may require a high level of attention or observation including residential care. Others may function very well for much of the time, and indeed, with the right treatment may well be capable of living a near to normal existence. It is likely there are different categories in between these levels which will demand a variety of solutions.

Whilst we have known for a long time that such problems exist it has been difficult to get to grips with them for a variety of reasons, such as:-

. Lately, the recent series of events involving the mentally ill has served to concentrate minds on the problem. I very much welcome the interest being showed in this issue by Ministers and officials, down through health workers, police NGO's and voluntary care workers. It is my belief that the time has now come to tackle this issue head-on and come up with a clear, seamless policy on how to cope with the mental health aspects, the Community Service dilemma it presents and housing requirements for this section of society that needs and deserves real assistance.

This workshop will no doubt be able to suggest a number of solutions to our problems. Some might be needed in the short term, others moor long term. With regard to the short term, as an example, I refer to the inappropriateness of trying to treat the mentally ill in a police cell - or in the Remand Centre. Neither was constructed, nor is geared for, such a purpose. To attempt to do so puts an intolerable burden on the patient, the health worker and the police or prison service.

I strongly recommend and early short term solution be found to overcome this very real problem. Otherwise, my fear is that if a measure of restraint is needed without suitable facilities, there is increased potential for either patient or restrainer to suffer real physical damage.

Long term solutions are of course, far more desirable and that is what this workshop needs to concentrate on. Indeed, it is for the better informed interest groups gathered here today to provide guidance to the political directorate on the way forward.

I should emphasize that it is not only joined up governance that is required on island, but once a policy has been determined it will be necessary to put together project proposals covering different areas of input. And then to enlist the support and agreement of DFID to ensure that resources are available to implement them.

All of this will require close Collaboration between Minister Tuitt and Minister Meade together with the full support of their respective officials. The views of health workers, and carers must be allowed to play a prominent part. There is also a role for NGO's such as Red Cross, and the Montserrat Christian Council including many of the smaller Church Organizations. Other NGO's like the Lions and Rotary Clubs may also perceive some supporting role. In other words, this is a big issue requiring a holistic approach if the right solution is going to be found.

There is one other practical point I would wish to draw to your attention to - that is, time constraints do exist. In September negotiations will commence on the next 3 - year plan - The Country Policy Plan (CPP) as it is known. It will be essential to have a coherent workable long term policy and project in place for inclusion in the next CPP which will cover the period April 2000 - March 2004. Inevitably, a great deal of ground will need to be covered in the next two months.

At this point, I would like to welcome the return of Dr. Janet La Grenade to Montserrat. She is co-author of the Inception Report that you will shortly be hearing about in detail. I applaud the work she and Carol Narcisse have done! Indeed, I was sorely tempted to include much of it in these opening remarks. I resisted only because it will make more sense coming from a professional. However, it is reassuring to know you will have the benefit of her expertise in your workshop.

Before I close I would like to take this opportunity to pay public tribute to Nurse Madge Donaghue and psychiatrist Dr. Beverly Anderson for the enormous contribution they have both made to try to keep this particular ship on even keel. They have struggled tirelessly and unselfishly to give of their best in the most trying and difficult circumstances and I invite you to join me in expressing our satisfaction.

Finally, I would ask participants in this workshop to cooperate closely with each other in order to establish a common understanding of each others concerns, and to work towards a comprehensive set of recommendations. I look forward to learning the results of your endeavors in due course.

SPEECH BY H.E. THE GOVERNOR AT THE MONTSERRAT SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADUATION AND SPEECH DAY ON 4 JULY 2000

Ladies and Gentlemen. My wife and I were delighted to have been invited to join you today for the Montserrat Secondary School's Graduation and Speech Day and I am particularly pleased to have this opportunity to speak to you. Speech Days are, of course, the culmination of the school year and a time to look back at what has been achieved. In the case of the Montserrat Secondary School, and indeed the other schools on island, it is also a time to pay tribute for a job well done in trying and difficult circumstances.

I would like to congratulate the teaching staff and administrators of the school for their Herculean efforts to maintain Montserrat's traditionally high standards of education in less than ideal conditions. I would also wish to add my personal congratulations to all those graduating today; to those who won prizes and to those who will continue with the school in the year ahead. I know work is proceeding well with the refurbishment of the Montserrat Secondary School Salem Campus and the return to Salem should mark a significant improvement in the facilities and accommodation available to the School.

I was also pleased to receive this invitation because I did want to take the opportunity to say a few words about values. It is for good reason that our childhood and early adolescence are described as our formative years. This is the time when we learn from our elders and peers the difference between right and wrong, to respect and deal honestly with others and the recognition that, occasionally, we need to set aside our own wishes and desires for the sake of the greater good. It can also be a time when things go wrong, when children come to believe there is more to be gained by playing the system and taking the dishonest path than by travelling the often more difficult road to honesty and integrity.

A great responsibility rests on all of us here, parents, teachers, the students themselves and others, to conduct ourselves in a way we would wish to see our children behave. And here I would like to address you, the older students. I wonder how many of you realise what a powerful influence you have on younger children who look up to you and copy your actions, attitudes and language? To those of you now moving up into the senior classes, I would ask you to be aware of the impact you have on your more junior schoolmates - and the need for you to decide whether that impact is going to be positive or not!

I am told that many young people complain that they have no role models. But it is we - the adults - who are supposedly to provide that example. Parents and teachers, leaders and politicians, the religious - are we failing the young people? Do we provide the example that earns their respect? Maybe these are the questions we should be asking ourselves.

Moving on, there is no need to tell you about the difficulties of the past five years, the social and economic dislocation and the strains this has put on the community. You have lived it. That the community has survived these times is a great tribute to you all. But there has been a cost.

It is of course something of a cliché, but none the less true, that our children are our future. In the past there was a strong network of family, school, church and community which instilled in young people the values of decency and honesty that are essential for a strong and upright community. My fear is that in the upheavals of recent years, the separation of families and the break up of traditional communities this foundation has, through no fault of anyone, begun to erode. It is perhaps the survival instinct coming to the fore but I sense, rightly or wrongly, that we are becoming more interested in self than community.

To my mind it is even more important now than in the past that we, parents, teachers, the leaders of our community and all Montserratians who want to see the island reborn and emerge even stronger than before, provide the sort of example we would wish to see our children follow. It is from us that they will learn to deal with others with respect and honesty and to appreciate the benefits that come from service to ones fellows without putting self first. Although some would have it otherwise, we have come a long way since the volcano forced us to flee from Plymouth and the other areas in the South. However, we need to match the rebuilding of the physical infrastructure with a renewed sense of purpose, confidence in our own unique identity and a clear vision of what we see as the future of Montserrat.

Last year the British Government produced a White Paper, Partnership for Progress and Prosperity, which set out its ideas on how the relationship with the Overseas Territories and the Territories themselves should develop. There was much discussion at the time but this was concentrated on the narrow issues of the grant of British citizenship and certain human rights obligations. However, the Paper went much further than this. It made clear that the people of the Territories should exercise the greatest possible control over their own lives and that the British Government supported constitutional development. This is not simply about who controls the money. It concerns the promotion of open, transparent and accountable government and the fair and equitable exercise of power.

We have made some progress towards increasing participation in the democratic process. Following acceptance of the recommendations of the Elections Commission headed by Dr Howard Fergus last year, the number of elected members to Montserrat's Legislative Council will be increased to nine and the role of nominated member abolished. However, we cannot rest there. I am keen to establish a Commission to examine the 1989 Constitution in its entirety. I have presented some ideas to the Government of Montserrat which I know they are considering. I hope that this will in turn lead to a debate involving all Montserratians; particularly the young. Especially, any of those young people graduating today who might be considering a future in the political life of Montserrat.

You are probably asking yourselves what all this has to do with a speech day? The point I am trying to make is that we have an opportunity to begin anew. To match the rebuilding of the island with rebirth of our institutions and the foundations on which our society is built. If we seize the moment, we can ensure that the framework is set for our children and their children to grow and prosper in a free and democratic society where the values of decency, honesty and integrity, which we all cherish, are truly respected and adhered to.

In closing, I would like to make special mention of two recent examples where our young people have shown what they can do and have brought pride to all Montserrat. I refer to the Rotoract Club of Montserrat which was awarded a prestigious prize at the Rotoract Convention in Trinidad for the most outstanding community project in the Caribbean. And Ian Osborne and Lionel Baker who were selected to play for the Leeward Islands Under-15 team in the recent West Indies Youth Competition. I understand Lionel is going on to play for the West Indies in England this summer. This is a great honour for the school - and Montserrat - and shows what can be achieved with hard work and dedication, not to mention talent!

I would also like to say a word about the Montserrat Secondary School Cadet Corps. The Corps provides an ideal background in discipline and service and has a long and distinguished history. I am grateful to Captain Roosevelt Jemmotte and the members of the Corps for keeping this tradition alive. It is my hope that the members of the Cadet Corps, past and present, will form the backbone of a reconstituted Royal Montserrat Defence Force at the appropriate time. I would like to add my own personal congratulations on the manner in which you conducted the parade and march past earlier this evening. Well done! You should also now be fully aware you hold the future well-being of the RMDF in your hands!

Finally, I would like to wish all the teachers, other staff and students remaining at the Montserrat Secondary School, a happy and well deserved holiday.

To those students graduating tonight, whether you are going on to undertake further studies, or moving out into the employment field, I would like to wish you every success in the future whichever direction you have chosen. Thank you

Open Day At Lancaster House
	1) Inspecting the Library 2) Open day videos 3)Sending greetings to HRH the Queen Mother