First eruption in 1995

The people of Montserrat were still coping with the consequences of events in December 1995, when the volcano erupted for the first time after lying dormant for four centuries. This earlier eruption reduced the island's population of 11,000 to under 7,000 as many people left for neighbouring countries. Many of the remaining islanders have been living away from their homes for the last two years, living in military-style tents - with no gas or electricity - and a row of pit toilets outside. Conditions are unsanitary and overcrowded.

The natural environment and topography of the island has also suffered long-term damage, as sulphurous gases were released into the atmosphere and began to form acid rain. It burned the mountaintop vegetation and increased the acidity of lakes and streams, to such an extent that marine life such as fish and plankton could not survive. These natural resources were vital to the islanders, many of whom earn their living by farming and fishing.

After the recent eruption, islanders were advised to shelter under strong roofs and wear protective headgear because of falling rocks and ash. Masks had to be worn outdoors to protect them from the hazardous fumes. This continuous eruption has laid most of the southern side of the island to waste, with farmland and crops buried under tons of hot ash. Scientists predict it could take months for land surfaces to cool. The islanders were told to prepare to evacuate and pack extra food, water, medicine and personal items. They were given the option of relocating to Britain or another island, or remaining on the northern side of Montserrat which is now thought to have good potential for development.

The impact of a volcano on such a small island is long-lasting and totally devastating - not just to the local people and the environment - but to the economy and long-term development. The Montserrat government had to set up a basic infrastructure to cope with the disaster - additional water resources within the safe zone, shelter with cooking facilities to cater for children and the old and infirm, and an emergency transport service to cover the island. Those who stayed are trying to fend for themselves; some have re-planted gardens with vegetables; a primary school has been restarted with 50 pupils attending.

The Island's government called for emergency relief from the UK in particular because of its historical relationship as a 'Dependent Territory', and became embroiled in a controversy with the British Labour government, much of which is now being resolved. Support has been pledged for a five-year plan to rebuild Montserrat, to construct a new capital and 250 homes in the northern safe zone. According to the Department for International Development here in the UK, each resident has been offered £3,500 to temporarily relocate to a neighbouring country, or two-year citizenship to stay in this country, with their future status uncertain. But most Montserratians insist that no amount of money could compensate for the lives and homes that have been destroyed. They want a secure and sustainable future on their island home.

There are several Montserrat community groups in the UK who are bringing attention to their cause and raising money to support the plight of their fellow Montserratians

For most of us, small islands conjure up images of paradise on earth. But for the inhabitants of these islands, life is often a struggle for survival, made more difficult being small and marginalised by the rest of the world. In recent years, the threats to their way of life have increased and intensified.

Small islands are particularly vulnerable and are widely seen as being in the front-line of the impact of climate change, such as rising sea levels, (which could totally submerge some of the low-lying islands) and violent storms. Whether it is a volcano or rising sea levels, in some cases, whole nations may have to be resettled. No-one knows yet what will happen to them. They are also at risk from industrial exploitation like toxic waste dumping, and the negative impacts of tourism and economic dependence.

Most small islands suffer from a balance of payments problem. They need so many goods which they cannot manufacture themselves that they cannot export enough to pay for them all. In the short term at least, support from countries of the North in the form of financial and technical help is essential. But in the longer term many island governments are seeking sustainable ways of developing and making themselves more economically independent.

Despite these unique challenges, the governments of small island developing states around the world are beginning to organise themselves together and fight for their special interests. There are 41 member states of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). They have rich marine resources which make them crucial contributors to the world's protein supply.