A Bermuda coalition is set to put pressure on the UK and Bermuda governments to do more for the volcano-stricken people of the Caribbean island of Montserrat.

And spokesman Rolfe Commissiong said if Britain does not live up to its responsibilities, the coalition will organise a protest petition to be given to Governor Thorold Masefield to forward to the Foreign Office in London.

Mr. Commissiong -- likely to fight Pembroke West Central with Sen. Neletha Butterfield for the Progressive Labour Party -- said: "Bermuda has long historical and cultural ties with Montserrat -- there are some very disturbing claims being bandied about which have characterised British policy as perhaps tinged with racism.

And he said the compensation on offer to the people of Montserrat who are fleeing as the massive volcanic eruption in the Soufriere Hills destroys the island's infrastructure was "an insult and a shame on the British Government.'' Britain has offered around $4000 per adult and $1000 per child to those who want to settle on other Caribbean Islands.

Mr. Commissiong added: "Although it's fine and well for the Bermuda Government to offer matching funds for any money raised in Bermuda, it needs to do more and a lot could be done through diplomatic channels.'' The coalition involves the Bermuda Industrial Union, the Bermuda Public Service Association, the Million Man March Coalition and the 100 Black Men pressure group.

Mr. Commissiong said: "We have come together in a coalition to impress upon the UK government to adequately address the financial needs of the Montserrat people.'' He added: "We are going to monitor the situation as from now because of the world-wide pressure being exerted on the British government.''