Hon. Colin Riley, Minister of Health and Education and Mrs. Dulcie James, President of Montserrat National Trust
They have gone to the great beyond but their legacy remains with Montserrat today. On Monday March 14, the Montserrat National Trust mounted an exhibition, to celebrate the contributions of some outstanding individuals, heritage builders, was held as part of the 2011 St. Patrick’s Day activities.
The exhibition which can be viewed at the National Trust. It highlights the late Justina Aymer who carried the alias ‘Sissy Greenaway’, Thomas Francis Mitchell, Former Chief Minister Dr. John Osborne, James ‘Rapier’ Meade, Joseph Meade, Teacher Lucy Fenton, Chief Justice Bayda and Alphonsus Celestine Edmund ‘Arrow’ Cassell.
In her opening remarks, President of the Montserrat National Trust, Mrs. Dulcie James said, “The exhibits demonstrate the lives and times of persons who have touched us and made a difference…”
Director of the Montserrat National Trust, Lady Eudora Fergus described the St. Patrick’s event as a celebration of the people and of a heritage left by fore-fathers. According to her, it is also a time to reflect on what was done to overcome obstacles and what should be done in order to achieve a brighter tomorrow. Lady Eudora Fergus opined that the exhibition placed the spotlight on those who passed on but made an indelible mark in history.
Minister of Education, Health, Community Services and Sports, Colin Riley posited that every country is defined by the strength of its institutions. He said tourism is being promoted as one of the economic activities to stimulate growth of Montserrat. Against this backdrop, there is the need for more support for the National Trust. Making reference to some advice given to him, he alluded to the fact that persons must set goals and work towards achieving it.
Acting Governor Her Excellency Sarita Francis recalled that when the St. Patrick’s observances were first held in the 1980s, the community mounted several exhibits. Many individuals made their mark without much fanfare and each one only wanted to make Montserrat a better place.
She showered kudos on the Director and team of the National Trust for hosting such an exposition.
The President of the Montserrat National Trust, Dulcie James described Justina Aymer aka ‘Sissy Greenaway’ as, “a woman of the soil.”
Thomas Francis Mitchell was said to be, “a friend of Montserrat and the Trust.”
Former Chief Minister Dr. John Osborne was one of the longest serving leaders in the Eastern Caribbean. James ‘Rapier’ Meade according to the Director of the Montserrat National Trust was, “a person from humble beginnings and like Sissy Greenaway had no great feats to fame.”
Joseph Meade was a valued and recognized worker in the Methodist Church, while Teacher Lucy Fenton began her career in 1956 and climbed the rungs of the ladder of success to achieve the position of Principal of the Montserrat Secondary School.
Chief Justice Bayda, a Canadian who visited Montserrat in 1978 and, “remained devoted to the people of Montserrat until his death.”
Alphonsus Celestine Edmund ‘Arrow’ Cassell was known for his contribution to the music industry, which frequently earned him the title, Montserrat Ambassador.
In an invited comment from The Montserrat Reporter (TMR), Professor of the University of Tennessee, Lydia Mihelič Pulsipher supports what she calls the biography of ordinary people being highlighted. She explained that the life and times of the great ones are important but those of lesser consequence maybe just as meaningful.
The Professor has been conducting research in Montserrat since 1973. She noted that based on her line of work she was privileged to meet some of these heroes.
