Unauthorised port and home entry heighten local concerns
By Catherine Pierre
The need for tougher border controls and patrols in the Plymouth area have been highlighted following an alleged unauthorised visit by Sy Skye’s and her crew at the beginning of May as part of their around the Caribbean tour.
News of a group of sailors who reported via their Facebook page that they anchored at Plymouth for three days and were “unable to find the marina Office” has lead to renewed calls for a vessel capable of safeguarding the islands borders. The Sy Skye’s and her crew docked at the unmanned Plymouth jetty which has not been the islands main port of call since the increase in volcanic activities which escalated following its beginning in July 1995 and which caused the evacuation of the southern half of the island, now designated unsafe zone generally prohibiting general entry to unauthorized persons.
Social Media- Facebook– lighted up with the information after the crew posted pictures on Face Book showing them in a number of unoccupied homes in the Plymouth area where they made themselves comfortable as evidenced by these pictures posted to social media depicting them taking clothes out of wardrobes and wearing them, helping themselves to drinks, standing on beds, and other similar behaviour, which has caused public outrage and lead to a battle of words between residents of Montserrat and the crew in response to the post. 
A number of persons locally expressed their disgust for what they consider the crews disrespect for others property and for the rules of the islands, with some residents accusing the crew of violating the victims of the volcano. The homes in the Plymouth area have been unoccupied since the increase in volcanic activities in the mid-nineties, but many home owners, though not permitted to reside in these homes for safety reasons, take steps to ensure the safety of their property through occasional visits and clean-up activities.
“We left with literally the clothes on our backs, we migrated to unknown, unchartered places that for the past twenty years have become our ‘new beginnings.’ That still doesn’t mean that we’ve abandoned our paradise. Many yearn for the day that we can return to what once was,” one Montserratian in the diaspora posted in response to the social media post from Sy Skye’s crew. She added, “to make a mockery of our beloved island shows your lack of empathy for what we’ve been through.” 
One of the homes believed to have been occupied by the crew during their visit is the former Governor’s residence.
Deputy Commissioner of police Charles Thompson told TMR in an invited comment that the social media post was brought to the attention of the local authorities and the matter is “cause for concern.” The Deputy Commissioner explained that this incident highlights the need for more resources for local law enforcement, particularly the need to be better equipped to patrol the coastal waters. Deputy Commissioner Thompson pointed out that there is indeed a boat available to the police which recently underwent repairs but that it is still not up to the task.
TMR knows that the police with the Governor and Premier’s ears, have on numerous occasions highlighted the need for better resources that would assist them in performing their duties overall, but that these requests still need to be satisfied. In the interim the Governor’s Office has said that securing a vessel for the police is at the top of the agenda of that office.
The local populace was in an uproar once news of the social media posts surfaced with many posting comments condemning the actions of the crew. “Silly people so unruly with people’s property,” was the comment of one local person, while another commented, “all I can say right now is dam fools because I’m so pissed.” Other comments included, “I can’t believe this ish! U see that they even made a “scary movie trailer” bout house of Montserrat? chupse dem just spoil me gd gd day ?.”
A lack of border security was also noted with one person asking, “well 
well. Where’s our Coast Guard…smh.”
Deputy Commissioner Thompson assured that the matter will be investigated. He believes this unauthorised entry cements the police case for the need of better resources. Skye’s currently sailing around the Caribbean with her crew – Rico, Dewey, Julia and Jemma.
