Montserrat Today
For Thursday/Friday/Saturday March 19/20/21, 1998
Presented by the Information Unit of the
Government of Montserrat's Emergency Department
A newsletter normally published three times weekly for E mail subscribers by the Emergency Department, Governor's Office.
THE VOLCANIC EXPLANATION:
In the last 48 hours the activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano has increased slightly. There have been increased rockfalls, some of which have been down the Tar River Valley and early this morning (Friday) there was some earthquake activity.
The recent dome growth seems to be in the very centre of the dome and this is indicated by spine growth in this area. However this morning the dome is covered by cloud.
Dust levels are very low at all recording stations in the north of the island at the moment.
FERRY & HELICOPTER PRICE REDUCED FOR CHILDREN:
The Ministry of Communications and Works has announced that the fares for children using the ferry and helicopter service have been reduced. Effective from next Monday (March 23rd) children between 5 and 12 years old will pay half fare, whilst those under 5 will travel free of cost.
The Minister of Communications & Works, Hon Rupert Weekes has said that the reduction is a continuation of the Government of Montserrat's efforts to ease the hardship placed on the population by the ongoing volcanic crisis.
The fares are ferry: Adults $150 return, children $75 return and helicopter: Adults $178 return, children $89 return.
CENTRAL ZONE BUSINESSES MEET:
All businesses operating in the Central Zone were invited to send representatives to a meeting on Monday evening at the Governor's residence.
Fourteen people attended the meeting which saw the MVO, the Emergency Dept and Health Dept officials attending. They discussed the need for businesses to move to the northern zone of the island.
A British funded small enterprise scheme is expected to start here on April 1st which will give assistance to small businesses in the area. The scheme will be implemented by the National Development Foundation (NDF).
DUMPED CARS PROVING A PROBLEM:
Several cars have been adandoned on roadsides throughout the island by persons who have left the island. Many of these dumped cars are proving a hazard.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chris Burgess has announced that there is to be a survey of all abandoned vehicles in the central and northern zones with a view to towing them away and possible dumping at sea to create an artificial reef as has been done in the past.
COMPLETION DATE FOR GOLDEN ACRES HOME FOR THE ELDERLY:
The Foundation set up to run the Golden Acres Home for the Elderly has announced that the finished home will be handed over by the building contractor on June 15th 1998.
The home was constructed from funds raised by the Montserrat Branch of the British Red Cross who will form an integral part of the newly formed Foundation.
The Golden Acres Home for the Elderly is expected to house at least sixty (60) persons.
More information next week...................................
Published by the Education & Information Unit, Emergency Dept St John's Village, Montserrat, Leeward Islands, West Indies. Tel: 664 491 7166 Fax: 664 491 2474 E mail: monmedia@candw.ag Richard Aspin, Unit Co-ordinator.