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Minister of National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration, Major Hon. St. Clair Leacock, has announced that two new positions, one of Geoscientist and the other of Senior Seismic Technician, will be filled in 2026.

The Deputy Prime Minister spoke on Monday, January 12th, 2026, during the official handing over of the newly renovated and retrofitted Volcano Observatory at Belmont, Rose Hall.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the observatory will support advanced research, including volcanic monitoring, community-based early warning systems, and international university-led studies and those new positions will help to augment the research and readiness.

He also highlighted upgrades to the national seismic monitoring network, including the installation of eight (8) new mountain stations and upgrades to existing sites, all of which will be enclosed to reduce vandalism.

“There's a lot of engineering, a lot of technical work here, and a lot of sophistication. I say this not just to applaud those who have done all of that great work, but also by way of appealing to those of us who are around, who some may say have mischievous hands, not to trouble those things that we did not put down and remove important equipment that lends to the safety of us Vincentians,” Minister Leacock said.

He noted that the newly refurbished station represent continuity, while he praised the work of the previous administration as it relates to volcano monitoring and advancing disaster preparedness.

“My government will continue to ensure that the La Soufriere Monitoring Unit of NEMO continues to receive the support to ensure that La Soufriere volcano is constantly monitored and that it behaves itself,” Major Leacock said.

Minister Leacock also urged citizens not to damage or remove volcano monitoring equipment. He said the retrofitting and transformation of the Belmont Volcano Observatory represents decades of preparation, institutional continuity, and national commitment to disaster readiness in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

The observatory project was financed through a concessional loan provided by the World Bank. The total cost of the project amounted to EC$4.696 million.

The project was executed by Irvine Interior and Construction Inc., with technical support from TVA Consultants Limited. Major Leacock noted that the opening of this project “gives me a lot of pleasure” due to the historic importance of the exercise.

The Minister also praised the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) as one of the country’s best-run public sector institutions and commended its Director, Michelle Forbes, for outstanding leadership and professionalism.

The newly retrofitted Belmont Volcano Observatory, valued at nearly EC$5 million, now ranks among the most modern volcano observatories in the Caribbean and will serve as a base for local, regional, and international scientists, as well as educational institutions.

The project was implemented under the Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project (VEEP), administered by the Ministry of Economic Planning. Additionally, NEMO received a US$1 million grant for seismic stations and monitoring equipment to further strengthen volcano surveillance.

SOURCE: The Agency for Public Information (API)