Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister, the Hon. Lester Bird, accompanied by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Mr. Edwin Carrington will pay a goodwill visit to Montserrat on Tuesday December 29 to share the spirit of the Christmas season with residents of that volcano-stricken Member State of the Caribbean Community.

The Lang Soufriere volcano which erupted in July 1995 has continued to emit showers of ash and deadly pyrotechnic flows, accounting for more than 20 lives and massive destruction of property including the Montserrat capital, Plymouth. With the southern and central areas being declared unsafe for living, most of the island's residents have since evacuated.

Antigua and Barbuda has been the main support for the significant number of Montserrat families who have migrated on account of the volcano, including the provision of living accommodation and school places.

CARICOM, with the assistance of Cuba, is also providing housing accommodation through the creation of a special CARICOM Village at Davy Hill on the northern sector of the island to assist those residents who have chosen to remain.

While in Montserrat on Tuesday, Secretary-General Carrington, who will be accompanied by his wife, will deliver a package of toys on behalf of CARICOM to the children of Montserrat. The Prime Minister and the Secretary-General will tour the site of the CARICOM Village and meet with residents. They will also meet with Chief Minister of Montserrat, the Hon. David Brandt and his officials.