the people of Montserrat who are being subjected to a protracted natural disaster. There is great dignity in generosity to others. That is especially true in this particular case since Montserrat is another small island in our own area of the world which is being destroyed through no fault of its people.

Many Bermudians have close connections to the islands to our south and it is entirely fitting that this rich little island should do all it can to help the people of less developed islands. This is not the first time Bermuda has assisted the people of Montserrat, having done so before in the wake of a devastating hurricane.

As Premier Pamela Gordon has so rightly said: "We empathise with any small island country in whatever difficulties they may experience, because we too may be in a similar situation.'' Remember, Bermuda sits on top of an inactive volcano. We could be subjected to something akin to Hurricane Hugo. Emily was mercifully brief but a storm which raged over us for six or eight hours would do incredible damage.

In the past Bermuda has contributed both money and the services of the Bermuda Regiment. This time we are being asked to do something much more personal. We are being asked to share Bermuda with some 25 people whose home is literally being destroyed. This is not unprecedented. During the American Revolution we took in loyalists to the Crown who fled America in the wake of Independence.

As the Second World War raged, evacuees from Britain were welcomed here and some stayed. We accepted five Vietnamese boat people.

We are not the only ones being asked to help. Like Bermuda, Montserrat is still a colony by choice and Britain is relocating people there. Other islands are playing their part, especially near-neighbour Antigua which has been in the forefront of the evacuation of Montserrat.

These people would be given permission to come to Bermuda for two years and will need to be housed, schooled and employed. It may well be that if volcanic activity continues to destroy their island, they will have to stay longer in Bermuda. Doubtless most of them would rather stay home but they have no choice because they are in great danger and their home is no longer habitable.

We applaud Government's action in offering refuge. It is the right thing to do.

We trust that Bermudians will be generous and understanding in their welcome.

The people from Montserrat have lost their livelihood and their homes and will be separated from their extended families and their friends. They will need comfort and help in settling down in a very different island.