Montserrat Today
For Wednesday/Thursday April 1/2, 1998
Presented by the Information Unit of the
Government of Montserrat's Emergency Department
A newsletter produced 3 times weekly for E mail subscribers and published by the Emergency Department, Governor's Office.
THE VOLCANIC EXPLANATION:
The seismic activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano remains at a low level, however there were some small rockfalls from the dome and some earthquake signals recorded overnight.
Because of low cloud cover this morning, the dome cannot be seen. However when visible last week the dome was estimated at almost 113 million cubic metres in size.
Dust levels are low at all monitoring stations.
CHIEF MINISTER CONGRATULATES NEW BISHOP:
The Chief Minister of Montserrat, the Hon. David S. Brandt has sent a congratulatory message to new Anglican Bishop, Errol Brooks.
The Bishop was ordained at St John's Cathedral in Antigua last week and Chief Minister Brandt wished God's continued blessing on his ministry. Mr Brandt, who has a close relationship with the new Bishop, pledged his and his family's support, along with that of the Government and people of Montserrat.
Bishop Brooks will be enthroned on September 30th taking over as Head of the Anglican Diocese of the North Eastern Caribbean & Aruba (including Montserrat) from retiring Archbishop Orland Lindsey.
MINISTER OF EDUCATION RETURNS:
The Minister of Education, Health & Community Services - the Hon Adelina Tuitt Member of LEGCO for the Eastern District has returned home after attending the 47th Parliamentary Seminar at Westminister in London.
The seminar was hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and attracted 16 delegates from Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean, Asia and Africa.
During the visit, Mrs Tuitt attended a meeting of the select committee charged with managing a special grant for accommodation of evacuees from Montserrat. In addition, Mrs Tuitt had informal discussions with the British Minister for International Development, Clare Short on matters relating to health, population and housing.
INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MONTSERRAT:
During a recent visit to Montserrat, the St Maarten based Mr Jim Van Hecke agent for Insurance Comany NAGICO announced that his company's treaty for St Maarten has been extended to central and northern Montserrat for all risks exclusive of volcanic and related earthquakes.
The insurance coverage will include home, contents, business burglary, automotive, contractors all risks, medical, life and liability.
The news has come as a welcome relief to residents who have been having difficulty in insuring their properties over the last few years. Anyone requiring further information can contact Mr Van Hecke in St Maarten at Tel/Fax 599-5-25598.
FERRY SERVICE TO/FROM MONTSERRAT:
Any person requiring to use the early morning ferry service to Montserrat from Antigua are reminded that they must check in the night before the sailing.
On every day except Sunday there is a 6.15 am sailing and passengers should report to the ferry office at the rear of the Heritage Quay Hotel in St John's, Antigua at 6 pm the night before to check in.
Persons requiring to sail from Montserrat to Antigua on the late afternoon sailing (departing at 5.15 pm everyday except Sunday) are reminded that seats are limited on this sailing and everyone should book in advance at M.A.S. at telephone 664 491 2533.
More information later in the week...........................
Published by the Education & Information Unit, Emergency Dept St John's Village, Montserrat, Leeward Island's, West Indies. Tel: 664 491 7166 Fax: 664 491 2474 E mail: monmedia@candw.ag Richard Aspin, Unit co-ordinator.