Can eruptions occur without warning and destroy the entire island?

It is unlikely that an eruption will occur without warning. Volcanic eruptions in the Eastern Caribbean are usually preceded by recognizable symptoms, such as small earthquakes, changes in gas chemistry, and/or ground deformation (swelling of the mountain) long before an eruption occurs. The Seismic Research Centre operates a monitoring system which should enable scientists to provide sufficient warning to the authorities prior to an eruption so that appropriate action can be taken.