David Brandt: Britain's offer of help is not enough

Short Declines Invitation to Montserrat

Instead, the government wants to send Ms Short's deputy, George Foulkes. But Mr Brandt has said that Mr Foulkes is not welcome. Some islanders say that Mr Foulkes precipitated the current crisis by misinterpreting scientific advice and wrongly implying that the island was about to be devastated by a cataclysmic eruption.

Ms Short however accused the administration of Montserrat of misrepresenting the Government's position and offers of help.

Clare Short defends the Government's actions and says infighting in the Montserrat administration is causing the islanders' dispute with London
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Both sides have been engaged in a war of words, since Mr Brandt condemned as scandalous the amount of money being offered to islanders who wish to flee.

After a church service on Sunday Mr Brandt told the BBC he wasn't asking for the 'unreasonable'. "In the Falklands, they did not count the cost and we're not asking for the unreasonable, all we're asking is just a chance to start again but to give people who are leaving a package and those who remain on no package, you are coercing people to leave because they have to choose between misery and the unknown."

British servicemen out-numbered the handful of evacuees

Only 17 Volunteer To Leave Island

Many of those who stayed did so with the encouragement of local politicians, and are said to be waiting for an improved cash offer from Britain to help with resettlement. Tensions have risen on the streets of Montserrat following demonstrations against the British Government. But the International Development Secretary, Clare Short has criticised local politicians for fuelling unrealistic expectations and "irresponsibly" stirring up protests.

Clare Short's holiday destination?

She claimed people on the island were being told to expect large compensation payments from the British government when this was not justified. In particular she criticised David Brandt, a lawyer and local politician, who took over the position of Chief Minister on Thursday. Mr Brandt has already contacted the government to demand a better financial package.

Ms Short's criticism has not been received well. People there say her rude and undiplomatic language has had the effect of rallying the islanders behind Mr Brandt and convincing them to stay behind to take on the British.

Twenty-three islanders were supposed to go but six decided to stay back with the rest of the people who've tentatively signed up for evacuation.

The British colony is threatened by the Soufriere Hill volcano, which became active two years ago. Only the north of Montserrat is considered to offer relative safety, and the majority of the islanders have already left. But about 4,000 are remaining, demanding compensation and financial help with leaving the island.

The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Liverpool is co-ordinating the evacuation of residents to the nearby islands of Antigua and Guadeloupe by ferry. The destroyer was diverted from anti-narcotics duties in the Caribbean to help with what was expected to be an emergency mass-evacuation.

But the Foreign Office says that the number of islanders deciding to go is small. A spokesman said: "It is an orderly evacuation and people are not leaving in huge numbers."

But both Antigua and Barbuda have already warned they will not be able to cope with a new influx of refugees.

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