Over the next few months, senior volcanologists at The UWI Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) will serve rotations as Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO). This is a temporary arrangement to provide coverage for the directorship during the recruitment period for a new Director as former MVO Director, Mr. Roderick Stewart, has assumed the position of MVO Volcano-Seismologist recently vacated by Dr. Patrick Smith. Directors will be drawn from a pool of experienced scientists based in both Trinidad and Montserrat with Prof. Richard Robertson, SRC Director, providing overall leadership until the position is filled.
“This is an interim measure involving scientists who have had extensive experience at the MVO,” said Professor Robertson. “The rotation will ensure continuous management of the MVO as we seek to recruit a new Director. Monitoring operations are expected to continue seamlessly.”
The recruitment process has begun and is expected to conclude within four months. Since 2008,the Montserrat Volcano Observatory has been managed by The UWI Seismic Research Centre.
ABOUT MONTSERRAT VOLCANO OBSERVATORY
The role of Montserrat Volcano Observatory is to monitor the Soufriere Hills Volcano through a combination of techniques, to detect any changes in volcanic activity. Monitoring and research findings are used to provide the Government of Montserrat with regular, timely, impartial advice on volcanic hazards and risks so that appropriate decisions can be made to ensure the safety of residents. The MVO also supports local authorities with public education programmes on volcanic hazards and emergency response.
ABOUT THE UWI SEISMIC RESEARCH CENTRE
The University of the West Indies (UWI) is the largest and most longstanding higher education provider in the English-speaking Caribbean, with main campuses in Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, and Centres in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Christopher (St Kitts) & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent & the Grenadines. The UWI is an international university with faculty and students from over 40 countries and collaborative links with over 60 universities around the world. Established in 1953, the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) is a Centre within The UWI. It operates the largest network of seismographs and other geophysical instruments in the Caribbean region. The SRC monitors earthquakes and volcanoes for most of the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean, manages the Montserrat Volcano Observatory as well as it conducts education and outreach activities in these countries. The Centre is involved in a regional effort to establish a tsunami warning system for the Caribbean. | Web: www.uwiseismic.com | Tel: +1 868-662-4659
