Dear Editor,
With all due respect, I must take exception to the article by The Man from Baker Hill in the 08 June 2012 edition of the Reporter in which he disparages the use of the shamrock and “the lady with the harp” on our flag; he’s apparently unaware of the importance of the Irish in Montserrat’s history. The symbols in question feature Erin, the female personification of Ireland, and the golden harp, another symbol of Ireland. These reflect the island’s Irish heritage.
During the mid-1600s the Irish were the main slaves sold to Antigua and Montserrat and at that time seventy percent (70%) of the total population of Montserrat were Irish slaves. Slaves, not “indentured servants.” This was news to me when I first learned of it, so I did some extensive research and decided that their story should be told, eventually writing (fiction based on fact) about it.
I have no serious preference one way or the other about The Man from Baker Hill’s suggestions regarding the flag, but thought I should call his attention to the historical significance behind what he wishes to replace.
Sally Simpson
