Royal Bank appoints first Montserratian manager
By Howard A. Fergus
The local Branch of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) made history recently when it appointed a Montserratian as manager. The successful beneficiary is Miss Lucille Irish who deserves our congratulation. It is a forward step for Montserrat whose sons and daughters must take control of strategic development positions if we are to make real progress. That the new manager is a woman strikes an even sweeter chord.
The Royal Bank of Canada opened its operations in Montserrat in 1917, the year of the Russian Revolution, a year before end of World War 1. It was also the year when the British terminated the selling of Indians as indentured servants to sugar estates I British Guiana , Trinidad and Jamaica in response to Indian activists who campaigned the iniquitous version of slavery. I find the historical associations fascinating.
Montserrat may not have come of age 94 years on; and it may be argued that staff downsizing, migration and economic downturn may have contributed to the move. Whatever confluence of forces has brought this about, it is an important historical event which could harbour pointers for the future. I am non advocating: Montserratians, qualified or not. But where the capability resides here it should be recognized and respected.
The RBC has made the change without fanfare – no speeches, no reference to landmark, no libation. A comment is however necessary for the records. As creatures of our culture and our history, we dare not ignore these increments en route to our larger emancipation and the push for new horizons. Congratulations, Royal Bank, on this important symbolic gesture.
