Montserrat Today
For Wednesday/Thursday March 04/05, 1998
Presented by the Information Unit of the
Government of Montserrat's Emergency Department
THE VOLCANIC EXPLANATION:
The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano has been at a low level for the last few days with a reduction in the number of earthquakes and rockfalls.
Scientists from the MVO yesterday (Tuesday) took temperature measurements at Trants of the September 21st 1997 flows. At a distance of 110 cms from the surface and 100 metres from the edge of the flow, the temperature was 111 degrees centigrade.
An EDM survey completed yesterday of the line from Windy Hill to the peak 'B' suggests that the line continues to shorten.
Dust levels at all monitoring stations are low at present.
UNEMPLOYMENT DOWN:
The levels of unemployment in Montserrat are down, this according to results of the social survey carried out late last year.
At that time unemployment was put at 6% of the workforce. The workforce in Montserrat is currently around the 1500 mark with about 25 % of these working for government or the statutary bodies.
HEALTH SECTOR REORGANISED:
A GIS press release has stated that the Government of Montserrat is reorganising the Health Sector.
Senior Health Programme Manager, Dr Tim Carter has completed a Health Reorganisation Programme, recommended by Britain's Chief Medical Officer Sir Kenneth Calman during a visit to Montserrat last September.
The programme recommends the employment of a Chief Medical Officer who will be responsible for primary health care and a health manager who will be in charge of secondary health care.
Minister of Health the Honourable Adelina Tuitt says the split in duties will give both officers the opportunity to give 100% performance. Mrs Tuitt also announced that the theatre service will be strengthened with the addition of two more nurses, and the employment of a surgeon. This means that patients will no longer need to travel to neighbouring islands for health care.
Mrs Tuitt said that the health care system on the island continues to be affected by problems such as the loss of nurses and the inability to attract the type of doctors needed. However, Mrs Tuitt is confident that the government will ensure that proper health care is provided for those Montserratians who have remained on island.
More information later in the week..........................