Prominent Figure to Attend 30th Anniversary Volcano Conference in Montserrat

A high-profile figure has confirmed his attendance at the 30th anniversary volcano conference.

Dr. Keith Rowley, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago says he will participate in the July 14th to 18th conference.

In an article in the Guardian Newspaper, Dr. Rowley states that now that he has retired from politics, the very first thing he wants to do is to get back into volcanoes.

As a result of that, he has agreed that next month he is coming to Montserrat, to celebrate a conference of 30 years of the volcano that partially destroyed the island.

Before he entered politics, Dr. Rowley, a geologist, was head of the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre.

He worked at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory as head scientist in the late 1990’s at the peak of volcanic activities.

His planned trip to Montserrat next month will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Soufrière Hills eruption, which devastated large parts of the island and permanently changed life for its residents.

He did not disclose the specific roles he might play at the conference and said he was eager to return to the field that once defined him.

The five day conference will be held at the Montserrat Cultural Center under the theme “Turning Magma into Momentum.”

It will explore its lasting impacts and global significance with strong local, regional international engagement.

The conference will feature academic talks, workshops, public events and cultural activities.