Montserrat Today
For Monday/Tuesday May 25/26, 1998
Presented by the Information Unit of the
Government of Montserrat's Emergency Department
THE VOLCANIC EXPLANATION:
The activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano remains at a low level, however yesterday (Sunday) there was a little flurry of volcano-tectonic earthquakes at depths of about 3 kms below the dome.
Over the weekend a group of MVO scientists visited the St Patricks area to examine the deposits of the Boxing Day 1997 collapse to try and further understand that event.
Dust levels at all monitoring stations continue to be at low levels.
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS & WORKS ACTING CHIEF MINISTER:
During the recent visit to New York by the Chief Minister, Hon David S Brandt the Minister of Communications & Works, the Hon Rupert Weekes acted as Chief Minister. Meantime, the substantive Governor, H.E. Mr Anthony Abbott has returned to the island following a period of vacation.
HMS LIVERPOOL TO VISIT:
The West Indies Guard Ship, HMS Liverpool will pay a courtesy call to Montserrat next week. The Liverpool will anchor off Little Bay on Monday and Tuesday June 1 and 2nd.
CONSTRUCTION OF LPG TERMINAL CONTINUES:
Construction work continues at the bulk fuel terminal at Carr's Bay in preparation for a filling terminal for LPG bottles.
Currently, all gas bottles are sent to Nevis for filling, a system that causes delays and shortages. Under the new system a tanker will be brought to Montserrat on a regular basis and bottles filled locally at the new terminal.
Meantime the next shipment of gas bottles from Nevis is expected mid week.
DR PETER BAXTER ARRIVES TOMORROW:
Britain's Dr Peter Baxter who has been carrying out the research in Montserrat on the health hazards caused by the long term exposure to ash arrives back on island tomorrow.
He is expected to bring with him the results of the preliminary research on school children in Montserrat who had been exposed to volcanic ash in the atmosphere.
Currently, ash levels in the northern and central zones of Montserrat are low, but there are substantial ash deposits in the exclusion zone.
MONTSERRRATIAN WINS PRIZE TRIP TO WORLD CUP:
School teacher Miss Judith Jeffers formerly of Long Ground has won the prize trip to the World Cup in France next month.
Miss Jeffers won the prize donated by Carib Brewery in a drawing held Saturday afternoon at the A & F Service Station in St John's. A total of 98 winners were awarded in the entire Caribbean region in the draw with just one of these allocated to Montserrat. Congratulations!
More news later in the week..................................