Britain's International Development junior minister, Mr George Foulkes, flew to the Caribbean yesterday to try to heal the rift between Britain and volcano-hit Montserrat. Mr Foulkes first went to neighbouring Antigua on the first leg of a two-day fact-finding trip during which he hopes to reassure Montserratians about London's commitment to their island.
Later he flew by helicopter 40 km to Montserrat to view the volcano and the damage caused by its eruptions.
Mr Foulkes said he was deeply impressed by the volcano and its incredible destructive capacity.
Speaking after inspecting some of the grim temporary accommodation in the still safe northern part of the island which has become home to numerous evacuees, he said: "It's absolutely awesome.
"The volcano is the villain. We all have to work together to restore the position for the people who have suffered."
He later met islanders, officials and scientists monitoring the Soufriere Hills volcano's activity. Mr Foulkes said his objective was to inform the islanders that Britain was determined to do all it reasonably could to rebuild their lives.
"Britain will never abandon the people and the island of Montserrat," he said.
Today Mr Foulkes will unveil details of a new assistance package to help the Antiguan government deal with evacuees. Although in recent days the junior minister has suggested that Montserratians might stay on in the island's safe northern enclave, he is expected to spell out a series of options.
These include assessing the basic facilities needed in health, education, transport and housing in the north of the island to make life tolerable. But islanders wanting to move to Britain will have their fares paid and be treated exactly like British citizens, he said.
Those wanting to move to neighbouring Caribbean islands will get their fares paid plus up to £2,400, the average Montserratian income for six months.
Mr Foulkes's main task, however, will be to calm the heated exchanges which have dogged the relationship between Britain and the islanders in recent weeks.
Last week the International Development Secretary, Ms Clare Short, accused the island's political leaders of making irresponsible demands and said "they will be wanting golden elephants next" - a remark she later conceded was unfortunate.