3 I n recalling that it has been 30 years since the onset of volcanic activities in Montserrat, I am reminded that time really does fly. It does not seem like so long ago that the news of those volcanic events dominated our consciousness in this region. Our collective hearts went out to the people of Montserrat. We all wanted them to be safe. Devon Rowe, Executive Director CARICAD The passage of time has dimmed some memories and erased some events from our consciousness. However, we should never lose sight of or empathy, for what the people of Montserrat endured at that time or in the 30 years since. I am mindful that in addition to the massive personal, family, community, infrastructure, economic and material losses that the public sector in Montserrat suffered greatly, Montserrat lost some of its most experienced public sector managers and leaders due to the enforced mass exodus between 1997 and 1999. This meant that the normal preparation through mentoring and on the job training that middle managers would have undergone was not an option. Persons were catapulted into positions of responsibility without the opportunity for succession planning. This was not an ideal arrangement. We applaud the efforts made by all concerned to make the most of an undesirable situation, but it does remind all of us how important Succession Planning is under all circumstances in the public sector. CARICAD is again leading in response to this issue in the region. It also reminds us of how important and relevant the CARICAD definition of Public Sector Transformation is: A continuous process of leading and managing change in the public service for innovative adaptation; to enable delivery of services and results in a resilient and sustainable manner. Further, the volcanic eruption in Montserrat reminds us that in the Caribbean we are vulnerable to a wide range of volcanic hazards. We tend to prepare for the hazards that show greatest frequency such as hurricanes and earthquakes, but the Montserrat volcano reminds us that we must also plan and prepare for those hazards that may be low in probability but have remarkably high impact when they occur. CARICAD salutes the people of Montserrat for their courage, resilience and determination. They remain a shining example of what overcoming the odds in life means. We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Montserrat as they continue to rebuild the home of the soca anthem of the world, Hot, Hot, Hot; it is still the beautiful Emerald Isle of the Caribbean.
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