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Tempers flare on beleaguered Montserrat
Preparations made for those fleeing volcano
August 21, 1997
Web posted at: 12:18 p.m. EDT (1618 GMT)OLVESTON, Montserrat (CNN) -- The temperamental Soufriere Hills volcano belched smoke and ash for a solid hour on Wednesday, and human tempers began to flare at the other end of this beleaguered Caribbean island as well.
CNN's John Zarella reports on the scene in Montserrat 
451 K/42 sec. AIFF or WAV sound Shouting "We want the governor," a group of more than 100 demonstrators protested outside the home of this British colony's governor, Frank Savage, complaining that not enough was being done to help those who want to flee from the volcano's wrath.
On Thursday, Montserrat's government will begin registering residents who have agreed to leave the island under a voluntary evacuation.
Savage told CNN Wednesday that the northern third of the 39-square-mile island -- the only portion not in imminent danger from the volcano in the south -- isn't large enough to sustain the remaining population of approximately 4,000 people. About 7,000 people have already left.
Sailors from the HMS Liverpool, a British destroyer docked in the harbor, worked virtually non-stop Wednesday to erect tents and bathroom facilities at the port to accommodate evacuees.
Once the exodus begins, which is expected within a few days, the navy will be able to take 700 people a day off the island. Those leaving would be housed temporarily on nearby Antigua, Britain or some other destination.
But many islanders say the aid they are offered -- a family with two children gets the equivalent of $41,000; a single person about $14,800 -- isn't enough to compensate them for the losses they have suffered and the health risks they could face in the future.
The protesters who gathered at Savage's house in Olveston said they wanted more money and other help, including British citizenship, protection for the property they are leaving behind, medical coverage and assistance for their children to attend school. Many are vowing not to leave until they receive more assurances that their needs will be met.
Savage promised to pass on their demands to officials in London.
Correspondent John Zarrella and Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Britain pledges to aid volcanic colony - June 30, 1997
- Montserrat volcano set to blow - December 2, 1996
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