Development of Usable Land Becomes Priority in Montserrat

Sept. 11, 1997

Development of the remaining habitable section of the island is the priority now for the people of Montserrat, according to a Methodist pastor who has lived there since 1980.

But the work should be done in such a way "to make sure the people who remain participate in that development," said the Rev. Joan Meade during a Sept. 10 interview here. Meade, who has spent the last month in England, was to return to Montserrat on Sept. 12.

For the past two years, the Soufriere Hills volcano has spewed ash and rock over the southern portion of the small Caribbean island. Eruptions are continuing and less than 4,000 of Montserrat's population of 10,500 remains.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is continuing to assist both the people there and those displaced to neighboring islands, such as Antigua. Donations should be designated to Advance #982450, earmarked "Montserrat." Of the Methodists -- who number more than 1,100 confirmed members and 3,000 total participants -- many have left and only two of the nine Methodist churches on Montserrat remain open, according to Meade. "With every major (volcanic) event, you get a new exodus," she said.

The open churches, in the northern, liveable section, are Bethany and Cavalla Hill. "Those buildings are used as shelters," she added.

Top development needs are housing and the supporting infrastructure. "Providing housing will generate employment for a number of people," Meade noted, while cultivating new farmlands will provide employment for others.

The Methodist church itself is looking for self-contained work teams to help construct a building that would supply housing for 53 people through three family apartments and dormitories. The church also is working through the Montserrat Christian Council on housing placement and trauma counseling.

Meade, who has been assigned as a pastor here for the past four years, finds that although many Methodists have left the island, her pastoral load has increased. "People in crisis expect a whole lot more from you," she explained.

Some of the tension can be attributed to having to live in closer proximity to one another. Before the eruptions made parts of Montserrat uninhabitable, "people had lots of space" and lived comfortably. Now, according to the pastor, "you have to really rub shoulders very closely."

And even though the northern zone is expected to remain safe, clouds from volcanic eruptions provide a visible reminder of the risk involved. Meade, who lives at the southern border of the zone, can expect an ash shower when the wind blows the right way. "It's on everything and everywhere," she said.

But, she added, residents are finding life is more precious when living under such a threat. "We have found grace sufficient to cope and learn to live one day at a time," she said.