Montserrat residents want to return to homes

Thursday, January 8, 2004

BRADES, Montserrat (GIU): An American homeowner from Foxes Bay has submitted a proposal to the Government of Montserrat about 24 hour access to the area.

The proposal, submitted by Aron Goldman, is based on the decisions of the authorities after consultations with scientists at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) to re-open the areas of Old Towne, Isles Bay, Lower Frith's and Happy Hill for full-time occupation.

In November 2003, the Maritime Exclusion zone around the southern part of the island has been reduced and no longer includes the offshore waters of Foxes Bay or Richmond Hill.

"With significant reduction in risk, there are many homeowners in the Foxes Bay/Delvins area who would greatly appreciate the opportunity to return to their homes now, even if it is not feasible at this time for Government to fund the restoration of water and electric services," Goldman wrote.

He is of the view that the situation is no different than what an Old Towne or Isles Bay resident could again face, if an evacuation was necessary in a few years time.

"In fact, people living in Foxes Bay or Delvins are at a considerably lesser risk of being in the direct path of a pyroclastic flow or surge down the Belham Valley than those living in Isles Bay, Lower Frith's, Happy Hill or Old Towne," he noted.

Goldman stated that allowing 24 hour accessibility to Foxes Bay and Delvins will help stimulate the economy and reduce Montserrat's unemployment rate by providing a large number of Montserratians the opportunity to obtain jobs and/or generate revenues in areas such as tourism, painting, roofing, carpentry work, landscaping/lawn care, ash removal, pool maintenance, plumbing, electrical work, housekeeping, property management, and real estate.

"For Montserrat , this would be another step toward achieving its primary objective in the island's Sustainable Development Plan; the need to attract its population that left Montserrat during the volcanic crisis, back to its shores. We hope to assist the Government of Montserrat and its people meet the challenge of finding the necessary resources to provide jobs and housing that will trigger the growth of an economically viable population. And, ultimately, help Montserrat reduce its financial dependence on HMG, and get back on the path toward self-determination and independence," according to Goldman.

He said the re-opening of Foxes Bay would let the island reclaim its most picturesque, desirable beach as a tourist destination for sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling.

Goldman added: " For the first time in over six years, the Inland Revenue Department would be able to collect property taxes in the area.

"MONLEC and the MWA would have an opportunity to increase revenues through the restoration of public utilities. There will also likely be a wide range of goods that need to be repaired or replaced which would allow Customs to assess duties on items such as building materials, appliances and vehicles."

The Foxes Bay homeowner said if they are required to evacuate from their homes two or three years from now because of a dome collapse threatening the area is imminent, and they are unable to return to their homes for ten months; as inconvenienced as they would be, it would be a lot better than the alternative of not being able to live in the homes at all.

Goldman noted that a group of Foxes Bay homeowners are prepared to privately finance the construction of a road, connecting Isles Bay to Foxes Bay along the coastal side of Garibaldi Hill.

"We have received permission from the Montserrat Company Ltd to build a road on its land in this area."

He added: "From an emergency preparedness standpoint, this road would eliminate the risk of Isles Bay residents being left stranded or isolated, by enabling its residents to use Foxes Bay beach as a facilitative route of evacuation, in the worst case scenario."

Goldman noted that contingent on this road being in place, the group is proposing that the Foxes Bay and Delvins areas be re-opened for 24-hour access provided the following provisions are met:

1. People wishing to enter Foxes Bay or Delvins must have a motor vehicle as a means of transportation.

2. Those who are physically incapacitated, or unable to drive, may not live alone or unassisted, and must be accompanied by an adult spouse/companion or aide who is capable and has a motor vehicle.

3. People wishing to remain in Foxes Bay or Delvins over a 24-hour period must have a dwelling to reside in 

4. The placement of gates, per VEG recommendations, to ensure compliance within the rules of the Daytime Entry Zone.

5. The installation of the siren warning system in the Foxes Bay/Delvins area.

Goldman noted that if the Government opts not to allocate funds budgeted by HMG to finance the restoration of public utilities, Foxes Bay and Delvins homeowners will either install cisterns, or incur the expense of restoring public water service to their homes. As for electricity, he wrote, generators and solar panels can suffice until public service can feasibly be restored. With respect to telephone service, cellular phones, according to Goldman, receive a clear signal in the Foxes Bay/Delvins area. " If necessary we are prepared to absorb the cost for PWD to remove any remaining ash from the area."

"With the grave risk of loss of life removed following the major dome collapse on July 12, (2003), we are confident HMG will no longer regard the signing of waivers releasing Government of any liability as inappropriate. We would also alleviate any concern of HMG, by waiving any right to pursue litigation, should an evacuation be deemed necessary, as a result of an imminent dome collapse potentially threatening the Foxes Bay/Delvins and Belham Valley areas," Goldman wrote in his proposal to Government. 

The proposal for 24-hour access to areas such as Foxes Bay and Delvin was one of the topics discussed by the Volcano Executive Group at its first meeting for 2004 held on Monday. The officials also discussed the use of the jetty at Port Plymouth. However, while the VEG had no major objections, they noted that a number of legal, logistical and administrative issues would have to be looked at in greater detail.

Scientists at the MVO have reported a lull in dome growth but according to chief scientist Dr Gil Norton the possibility still exists of renewed dome growth in the future. 

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