The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) will continue to benefit from the expertise of the UWI Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) under a new five-year management contract, ensuring continued vigilance and research on the Soufrière Hills Volcano (SHV).
According to a release from The UWI, the new contract, effective from July 2024 to June 2029, extends the longstanding collaboration between the Caribbean institutions.
“The UWI-SRC has been integral to the history of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. Since the 1950’s the Centre was responsible for monitoring its historic unrest and responded when the volcano began to erupt in 1995,” the release stated.
“UWI-SRC was among the founding groups involved in establishing the MVO and have officially managed its operations since 2008. Since then, seven full-time staff from the UWI-SRC have been stationed at the MVO, overseeing its monitoring programs and enhancing scientific understanding of the volcanic system and its associated hazards. This collaboration also includes partnering with the MVO on its vibrant Education and Outreach initiatives,” it added.
In 2025, the MVO in collaboration with the UWI-SRC will commemorate 30 years since the Soufrière Hills Volcano began its eruption. To mark this significant milestone, the SHV30 scientific conference will be held, celebrating Montserrat's pivotal role in advancing global understanding of volcanoes and their impact on societies. In addition, vulcanologists and scientists from around the world will gather on the Emerald Isle to discuss recent findings and share experiences from their work on this extensively studied volcano.
“The continued partnership between UWI-SRC and the Government of Montserrat to operate the MVO is vital to ensuring public safety and continued confidence in the sustainable future of Montserrat,” said Deputy Governor Lyndell Simpson, on the signing of the new contract.
The Deputy Governor added: “We continue to build on strong collaborative relationships and relish opportunities for the MVO at the forefront of volcanic research, with the impending 30 year milestone attesting to the resilience and adaptability of the Island and our people.”
Director UWI-SRC, Dr Erouscilla Joseph, is enthusiastic for the renewed partnership.
“The MVO is a valuable focal point for volcano research in the Caribbean region,” said Dr Joseph. “The scientists and staff of the MVO/UWI-SRC are committed to continue their dedicated service to the people of Montserrat and neighbouring islands over the next five years.”
The new contract, valued at approximately EC$3.5 million annually, follows the conclusion in June 2024 of a two-year interim arrangement.
About The UWI Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC)
The Seismic Research Centre was set up in 1953 and became part of The UWI in 1962. From its headquarters in Trinidad, it operates a volcano and earthquake monitoring network throughout the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean islands extending from St. Kitts & Nevis to Trinidad and Tobago. The UWISRC is responsible for monitoring earthquake and volcanic activity in these islands. The region in which these countries are located is seismically active and historically has been the site of earthquakes of magnitude greater than 8.0.
There are at least 19 live volcanoes in the region, which has been the site of numerous eruptions, most recently in Montserrat (1995-present), Dominica (1997, phreatic) and St. Vincent & the Grenadines (2020-present). The UWI-SRC currently manages the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), which is responsible for monitoring the on-going eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano.
About the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)
Since its establishment after the first phreatic eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano on July 18, 1995, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) has been dedicated to continuous monitoring and research of volcanic activity. The MVO develops, operates, and maintains a substantial monitoring network for this purpose.
Established as a Statutory Body by an act of the Government of Montserrat in 1999, the MVO name was previously used to describe the various scientists working on the Soufrière Hills Volcano.
The observatory's primary mission is to provide crucial advice to the Government of Montserrat based on their monitoring data, aimed at mitigating volcanic hazards and ensuring public safety. Additionally, the MVO plays an important role in outreach activities to enhance understanding of volcanic processes and risks among the community.
