The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is significantly enhancing its volcanic surveillance capabilities through a dual strategy of infrastructure investment and specialized staffing. Minister of Disaster Management St. Clair Leacock has announced the creation of new positions for geoscientist and seismic technician to strengthen monitoring operations at La Soufrière volcano.
The announcement coincided with the official handover ceremony of the newly renovated and retrofitted Belmont Volcano Observatory in Rose Hall on Monday. Minister Leacock, who also serves as deputy prime minister and national security minister, emphasized the facility’s critical role in advancing volcanic research, community-based early warning systems, and international academic collaborations.
Substantial technical upgrades form the backbone of the enhanced monitoring network. The national seismic monitoring system will see the installation of eight new mountain stations alongside comprehensive upgrades to existing sites. A notable security feature involves enclosing all stations to protect against potential vandalism—a concern that prompted the minister’s public appeal for community cooperation in preserving vital safety equipment.
Minister Leacock highlighted the project’s significance as representing “decades of preparation, institutional continuity, and national commitment to disaster readiness.” The observatory project was executed at a cost of EC$4.696 million through a World Bank concessional loan, with an additional US$1 million grant provided to the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) for specialized monitoring equipment.
The minister praised NEMO as one of the nation’s best-run public institutions and commended director Michelle Forbes for her exceptional leadership and professionalism in advancing the country’s disaster preparedness capabilities.