THE VOLCANIC EXPLANATION:
There have been no explosions from the Soufriere Hills Volcano for over 40 hours. Scientists do expect that they will start up again soon.
Seismicity records have shown some seismic activity during this period with a swarm of volcanic tectonic earthquakes occurring from 8 pm last night to 2.30 am this morning, since then there has been a few rockfall signals.
There have been mud flows in recent days in many ghauts in the exclusion zone. Everyone should keep clear of these ghauts and also keep out of the exclusion zone.
MINOR ROAD ACCIDENTS:
There have been several minor road accidents in Montserrat this week due to gravel on the roads. This has led to authorities to issue warnings to keep three car lengths between vehicles to allow them to stop if necessary. They are also urging motorists to drive slowly and with due care and attention.
EOC PRESS RELEASE:
The EOC issued the following press release this morning:-
"Following recent heavy rains many of the ghauts in the exclusion zone have been affected by large mudflows.
Although there is no access to the exclusion zone it has been reported that residents have continued to go into these areas and cross ghauts by foot to access their property. This is extremely dangerous as the mud can be hot, deep and very sticky. It has been reported that several animals were killed in recent mudflows in the Belham Valley in the vicinity of the golf course.
With the rainy season due to continue over the next few months, residents are urged to keep clear of all ghauts in the exclusion zone and desist from entering the zone at all times." (END)
TOURISM DEPT SPEARHEADS PLANS FOR CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL:
The Montserrat Board of Tourism has set up a committee to look at the possibility of holding some form of Christmas Festival this year.
In the first year of volcanic action a reduced festival was held at the NOSCA complex under the auspices of MONFEST. Last Christmas Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell organised a Calypso Competition which was held in Salem and this year the Tourist Board has invited applications from calypsonians to register for competition.
This is in an effort to add some cultural experiences to the volcanic crisis in the year end programme. The committee meets again tomorrow.
Meantime a group of local calypsonians hope to raise funds in New York later this year in a series of concerts to assist their members who have lost everything in the volcanic crisis.
SPORTS DEPT PLAN SCHOOL'S PROGRAMME:
The Minister of Education, Hon Adelina Tuitt reported on ZJB Radio yesterday that she is hoping that the Sports Dept will be able to start a sports programme in the Primary School when it reopens next week. She pointed out that there are basketball facilities at Brades which is where the Primary School is to be sited.
C.M REPORTS ON PLANS FOR MONTSERRATIANS ABROAD:
The Chief Minister, the Hon David S. Brandt reported on ZJB Radio this morning that he hopes to keep a register of all Montserratians who relocate abroad. He said that this would allow a monthly newsletter to be sent to everyone keeping them abreast of developments at home.
Mr Brandt leaves for England shortly and hopes to meet with Montserratian Associations whilst there.
CABLE & WIRELESS EXPANDING PHONE SYSTEM IN NORTH:
Cable & Wireless is busy expanding the phone capabilities in the north of the island. Mr Neville Dublin recently reported that the existing system in the north was much too small to cope with the demand for lines in the area.
He reiterated that a new exchange had been installed in their facility at Davy Hill so that everyone who needs a phone will get one. The new exchange is currently being fine-tuned and the backlog of demands for phones in the area will shortly be cleared.
CONCERN RE CHILD LABOUR:
The Labour dept and Ministry of Education have expressed their concern that several children of school age have been working on building sites. The children had found jobs because school did not re-open on time. The Ministry of Education is now appealing to parents and employers to ensure that all children of school age are returned to the classrooms immediately.
More information tomorrow................................
Government Information Service