will be used to furnish the Golden Years Home for the Elderly.

Chief Minister for the island of Montserrat David Brandt said that he wanted "to express the profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for the commendable efforts displayed by the Government and people of Bermuda.

"$50,000 to the funds raised by the Bermuda Red Cross is exemplary and exhibits true friendship and understanding.'' Mr. Brandt said that the volcano served to alert the world about the vulnerability of small island states.

Telecommunications giant, Cable and Wireless has already announced a donation of more than $92,000 to the Government of Montserrat to help put the island on the road to recovery.

Fewer than 4,000 persons remain on Montserrat, down from 11,000 in July 1995.

The southern two-thirds of the 39-square-mile island are off-limits, including the capital, Plymouth. A June 25 avalanche of rock, ash and gas from the Soufriere Hills volcano killed up to 20 people.