10 Aerial shot of the Disaster Management Coordination Agency. • Continued from previous page The resulting devastation was massive. Economic infrastructure, housing and commercial properties were severely damaged or destroyed. Its economic infrastructure (after Hugo) was adequate. Electricity and water supplies were reliable. Its telecommunications were as modern as any other Caribbean territory. We can look back now and see that Montserrat and the people of Montserrat were at great risk when the Soufrière Hills Volcano erupted on July 18, 1995. Montserrat is part of the arc of Caribbean Islands that sits on a tectonic subduction zone. In 1995, the island was 39 square miles. It was 11 miles long at its greatest length and seven miles wide at its greatest width. It has a central mountainous backbone along its length with gently sloping swathes of land around old volcanic domes. The soils were and continue to be deep, and fertile. The ghauts or ravines radiating from the central hilly backbone provided drainage lines to the sea on all coastlines. The northern and southern extremities were relatively dry but the central portions for the island received at (on average) at least 60 inches of rain per year. What made Montserrat valuable, helped to make it vulnerable. Volcanoes had given rise to the geology, geomorphology and topography to that wonderful agricultural potential. The dramatic, scenic views that most residents had from their homes, coupled with the tranquillity and charm of the island, made it a sought-after destination for retirement homes. Residential tourism, and its associated construction industry, was a significant source of economic benefit. In the 1980s the island was regarded as relatively prosperous. It had “graduated” from recurrent budgetary aid and was in fact generating a surplus in recurrent revenue over expenditure. Contrast that with the fact that today 60 per cent of the recurrent budget arises from aid. Furthermore, in the 1980s a world-famous recording studio was established on Montserrat. It gave the island a global profile with vocalists such as Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross visiting the island to make • Continues on next page
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