*photos of children courtesy of Townsfield Primary School*
The excerpt below is taken from a Montserrat Red Cross newsletter released on April 22, 1997. It details the procedures taken to attend to the many children on the island who were displaced from their homes or families following the eruption.
“Over 140 children, aged 5 to 16, from shelters, relocated homes, and non relocated homes that were housing relocated persons left Montserrat the weekend before Christmas to spend the holiday period in Tortola and St. Thomas. The trip was organized by the Women’s Guild of Tortola, who raised $20,000 for the purpose, and was coordinated through the Montserrat Red Cross. The children were treated to many exciting and fun-filled events, including a luncheon party by the Rotary Club, a day at the movies, two day-trips to the neighboring islands of Virgin Gorda and St Thomas, a beach party by Keetos and many other activities. The Montserratian children put on a concert on the final evening for their hosts; this was directed by Gertrude Shotte and Desmond Daley. Nineteen children from Montserrat were also treated to an exciting Christmas trip to Antigua. They were transported to Antigua by the Antigua Coastguard and were hosted by families in Antigua who met the children at the Antigua Red Cross Headquarters. Again, the children had a wonderful time. We are so grateful that the children had the opportunity to enjoy Christmas in such relaxed environments away from the stress of the volcano, and with caring families.”
(http://www.geo.mtu.edu/volcanoes/west.indies/soufriere/govt/miscdocs/redcross_1997112.html)
Return to Youth in Montserrat page