Dr. Lowell Lewis, Former Chief Minister
Fellow Montserratians, it is an honor and privilege to offer Christmas greetings for the 10th time as a Legislator, an elected representative of you the residents and people of our beloved island. Montserrat. I wish you all a blessed peaceful and happy Christmas and a healthy and successful New Year , 2011.
2010 will be remembered for the passing of the Mighty Arrow, Mr Alphonsus Cassell. An icon of our time. The motorcade that strung a necklace of lights around the northern villages of Montserrat will be remembered for a long time, and just as we reveled in his creations during the all day celebration of his life, at the Montserrat Cultural Centre, we will continue to enjoy his music for the rest of our lives.
2010 will also be remembered for the new Montserrat Constitution Order and the opportunity we had and still have, to discuss openly the rights for freedom of our people and be reminded that as legislators, it is our duty to recognize the contributions of our predecessors, and our responsibility to achieve their visions for us.
The Montserrat Constitution order has put us back 30 years in our fight to end colonial rule and bring political and economic freedom to the people of Montserrat, but has created the background and basis for my Christmas and New Year wishes for Montserrat and our people.
My principal wish is for the end of greed and selfishness which feeds divisive politics and hinders the economic empowerment and progess of our island.
The Hon Chief Minister has set the stage for achieving the status of National Hero, by not only commissioning a group to draft a constitution for an independent Montserrat, but also advising me to draft his deputy in to the group, and indicating his willingness to serve as a special advisor to the committee.
I know that like me, he recognizes that it is his duty to complete the work of Robert Griffith, W H Bramble, Percival Austin Bramble and John Osborne. He knows of the inappropriateness of political power being vested in non elected legislators and will surely end this affront to democracy at the earliest opportunity.
My second wish for Christmas, is that the Government of Montserrat would upstage and pre-empt the coming New Year Royal awards , by passing in the Legislative Council an impromptu resolution or motion, to award posthumously, the award of “The Montserrat Star” to Alphonsus Cassell, William H Bramble , and Elaudo Equiano for their contributions to the local and international community. And also to Robert Griffith and the Heroes to 1768 Montserrat revolt , for their contributions to the local community. Dr John Osborne and Sir Howard Fergus should also get their Montserrat Star award, while they are alive.
In keeping with my earlier recommendation for another group of awards, the late Mr Joseph Meade , past Speaker of the Montserrat Legislative Council, should be among those considered for a posthumous award of a Montserrat cross.
I extend to the family of John Osborne, wishes for comfort and peace at a very difficult time. I continue to pray that Mr Osborne gets to see the fulfillment of his planting a seed of economic empowerment , by being able to witness the birth of a Little Bay Town, featuring some local ownership and development, rather than exclusively foreign inward investment.
I extend Christmas greetings to all my colleagues in the medical and nursing profession, in Montserrat, Antigua, the Caribbean and the United kingdom. I thank them for their support and tolerance of my dalliance in politics.
Thank you and best wishes for a happy Christmas and prosperous New year to all utility workers, public servants and members of all the charitable and volunteer agencies and groups. The Christmas spirit lives in you all throughout the whole year.
Thank you and best wishes to supporters of the Montserrat Democratic Party , and the Hon Speaker and fellow members of the Montserrat Legislative Council.
Finally, I thank and extend best wishes for a happy, healthy Christmas and New Year to my family and friends who are scattered around the world.
I love you all.
Your humble servant
Lowell Lewis
