by Bennette Roach
From March 14, for the records and because there had been no issue of a newspaper except posts online and on TMR’s Facebook page, we present briefs of matters relating to that as related to Montserrat especially as COVID-19 gripped and crippled activities, be it faith worship, entertainment, all matters relating to the economy, and more.
Some St. Patrick’s Day Festivities events had already taken place. Recall the opening of the St. Patrick’s Festival which kicked off Friday, March 6 to run until Wednesday, March 18. One report stated, “The events selected to run from March 11 to the 18th when most people are slated to be on the island.”
There were several festival entertainment events and shows close to one hundred of them scheduled to take place on March 6 through March 18. See the calendar. Much had taken place through March 13 already, before the action of limiting gatherings as of March 14: To list a few: Mountain a Glow Exhibition, National Museum, Little Bay.
St. Patrick’s Festival Torch Lighting Ceremony – Silk Cotton Tree, Cudjoe Head; Junior Calypso Competition; National Awards – Cultural Centre; MSS Heritage Day; Heritage Bus Tour of Cultural & Historic sites; The Montserrat Action Movement “Together We Strive” – Family Fun Day; St. Patrick’s Lecture – See a special report on page 6.
Bethel School Reunion – Night of Entertainment – Salem Park; Girls Invasion Pt. 2; St. Patrick’s Business Expo –Top Notch Promotions – St. Patrick’s Beach Fete – Old Road Bay
The early shows:
National Trust/ 50th Anniversary Flower Show & Tea Party and Hat Parade – Salem ($20); Bethel School Reunion Banquet & Awards Ceremony – Cultural Centre; Leprechaun’s Revenge & Breakfast Fete – Leprechaun’s Valley; Farmer’s Market – Salem School; Kevin West Water Colour Exhibition & Book Launch; Olde School Ball to Benefit Meals on Wheels – Vue Pointe Hotel.
All of the remaining shows and events were canceled on top of those postponed from even before the start of the festival.
St. Patrick’s Church Annual Dinner, with ‘no gathering law’ -Vue Pointe Hotel (Pick Up – Take away ONLY) with the Church service as were all church services since then canceled.
