Tuesday, 25 June, marked 27 years since Montserrat’s Soufriere Hills volcano unleashed devastating pyroclastic flows, killing 19 residents and destroying hundreds of homes.
People across the island and throughout the diaspora honoured the memory of those who lost their lives this week, many sharing their thoughts on social media.
The governing party, the Movement for Change and Prosperity (MCAP), in a Facebook post said the day remains a “poignant reminder of the profound loss and enduring strength of our community”.
“We honour the memory of those who perished in this tragic and extraordinary volcanic event,” the party wrote.
“MCAP extends its deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. May their souls continue to rest in perfect peace.”
The Montserrat Government UK Office wrote: “Today marks 27 years since the tragic volcanic eruption on June 25, 1997, which claimed the lives of 19 people.
“We solemnly remember and honour their memory, drawing strength from their legacy as we continue to rebuild our community.”
Meanwhile, the official tourist Facebook page ‘Island of Montserrat’ described the day as one where Montserrat “faced a tragedy that changed us forever”.
“We remember and honour loved ones we lost; we continue to rise and rebuild,” it said.
Mourning losses
The Government of Montserrat reflected on the day when “the island was plunged into darkness and subsequently mourning” in a Facebook post.
“…a dome collapse at the Soufriere Hills Volcano occurred causing a series of devastating pyroclastic flows which changed Montserrat and our lives forever,” it said.
“Precious lives were snatched from us, 150 houses were destroyed and entire villages such as Streatham, Dyers, Harris, Bethel, Bramble, Trants, Farms and Spanish Point were severely impacted.
“Today, as we reflect and remember this tragedy, we must take a moment of silence in reverence, to give honour to the families who still mourn the loss of their loved ones.”
Meanwhile, opposition member David Osborne spoke of the losses in the Montserrat Legislative Assembly on 25 June.
“I want to take this moment to acknowledge the family and loved ones of the 19 persons who lost their lives 27 years ago, after the massive volcanic eruption,” he said.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”
Victims of the volcano
Those who lost their lives on 25 June, 1997, were:
1. Alwin Allen, 44, a livestock farmer, who died in Farms.
2. Alicia Joseph, 23, a resident, who died at her home in Farms.
3. Allister Joseph, three months old, who died with his mother in Farms.
4. Anthony Sutton, 72, a resident, who died at his home in Farms.
5. Benjamin/Joseph Brown, 71, a farmer, who died in the central area of Montserrat.
6. Beryl Grant, 73, a farmer and huckster, who died in Harris.
7. Edith Greenaway, 69, a resident, who died at her home in Streathams.
8. Felina Celestine, 45, a farmer, who died in Farrells.
9. Hezekiah Riley, age unknown, who died at his home in Streathams.
10. Horrace Boatswain, 66, an airport worker, who died in Farms.
11. Isolyn Lewis, 43, a farmer, who died in Farrells.
12. Joseph Tuitt-White, 45, an airport worker, who died in Farms.
13. Joseph Greenaway, 62, a resident, who died at his home in Windy Hill.
14. Keithley Ponde, 32, a farmer, who died in Farrells.
15. Mary Bernardine Harris, 44, a resident, who died at her home in Farms.
16. Melville Cuffy, 39, a farm worker, who died in Farrells.
17. Phillip Robinson, 66, a farmer, who died in Streathams.
18. Virginia Sutton, 70, a resident, who died at her home in Farms.
19. Winston Allen, 41, a chauffeur and livestock farmer, who died in Farms.
Montserrat Focus offers sincere condolences to the friends and family of those who lost their lives during the 1997 eruption.
