There has never been an answer to the suggestion or question, as to whether Montserrat’s constitutionally appointed Director Public Prosecution was pushed, (forced to resign), or did so, as officially publicised. We now know however that her like others in the public service are facing or faced similar circumstances. The demotion of two RMPS Inspectors, who are seeking legal redress, the latest of strangeness.
We know some of the circumstances surrounding her eventual resignation, and some of it represents an ugly culture among Montserrat. Unfortunately we have provided a bed for some people to root rumble and tumble to suitable to an ego that is used to some corruptible benefits.
We also know that there has always been the kind of ugly as to the way Montserrat is treated by the UK government, even though the debate is ongoing as to whether everything especially, stalemates, stalls and even the corruptible is welcomed by them. We also know that it is also true that much of what happens that involve ugly to Montserrat and its people, whether nationals or not, are aided and abetted by Montserrat.
We remember how quick HMG moved to point out, they did not cause the volcanic eruption. The statement especially now seems odd, but it probably suited their purpose, as it seemed to be an excuse for inaction, timely or beneficially. But wait, again they have been aided and abetted. That too is still debated, but from here, that is fact.
Somehow Montserrat always presents them with the excuses and the truth really is, until there are leaders who are contented to not seek the kind of autonomy that forces the island to work hard, to cause people to not only “would like to come home,” but “come home”, the choice would be remain negative.
In 2006, at the (eight) Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC) – 21-22 November 2000, the final communiqué on the meeting reported that the UK agreed with the territories: “To work together towards the implementation of a strategy for each of the Territories which would integrate the work of all those involved in the criminal justice system.”
That statement did not speak to exactly what brought it about. It did not represent the fact that the OT ministers were asked to agree, ‘not to interfere with anything surrounding the judicial and justice system.’ We never understood why it was necessary for Montserrat to be a part of that, but even now, we should ask, why? And turn down the trick offer, “The FCO announced that it would consider funding projects to take forward immediate priorities…”
What has happened since then, we have noticed persons and the island suffer from certain actions coming out of or managed by HMG, whether directly or through the Governor. Ministers are threatened or requested to be removed from office; threats of removal or dismissal, resignations of public officers, individuals become the subject of ‘persecution’, while a blind eye and fluttering winks when it gets close to home.
We have alluded to this problem before, but it is getting worse. The Governor in very quick order has taken some action, some which he will say he is acting on consultation. He is encouraged not to function in a transparent manner, by believing he can always get away with the ‘no comment’. There are those who say, ‘Oh yes he is the same Governor, nothing really changes.’
That he has been taken to court, missed being taken to court and is to be taken to court, seem to contradict his half agreement that doing the right thing will not necessitate hiring a legal advisor to prevent what he refers to as ‘a too litigious community’ from seeking justice from a system he oversees and controls. That he himself is accused of acting wrongly or unfairly should be cause for concern. But we note, they are just getting it wrong. It could be that the Constitution with which they cannot be too familiar, not having one at home, is biting. Still at the end of the day, Montserrat suffers.
