I’m going to miss the kind people of Montserrat. It’s been a valuable experience, providing the opportunity to catch up with a relative on my mother’s side. It was also very relaxing, quite a break from my usual schedule of activities. On a serious note, I am concerned about the long term prospects of the smaller islands in this region. The soil fertility is extremely good as indicated by the brightness and vigour of Montserrat’s vegetation. Like most tropical soils, the bulk of nutrients are carried near the surface and recycled at a high rate. Heavy rains combined with warmer temperatures and human activity contribute to partial erosion while the distribution of volcanic particles may gradually increase soil acidity....