by Juliet Lewis-Sweeney Ceesay
Don’t say this, don’t say that. You don’t know how vindictive people are on this island. This is a small island, so be careful what you say. Don’t call the police and complain because those same police will tell the person you complain about and they will come and victimize you. People are looking at you, so be careful what you say. You can’t say anything to those children in school because you are going to get cursed out by the parents and those in power. I stay away from people because when they hear you say something, they might just come and burn your place down. I know because I live here and you don’t. You don’t speak up in a meeting because what you say will be out there before you know it.Don’t tell people your business. This one hates me, so I don’t have anything to say to her. “I would have liked to write this letter under my name, but this place we live in is so small so in case I get victimized, I will write this under anonymity.” Imagine reading this quote on MNI Alive. Have the people on the island become so docile and afraid? Are the people of Montserrat docile by nature?
Yes, all of those statements have been repeated since my arrival here on the island in December. The need to vocalize what you have to say has been eradicated. During the election campaign, every politician had much to say, but here we are patiently waiting to find out what direction the island is heading in. President Obama gave his speech to the nation for 2015, yet here we are in Montserrat waiting for the Premier to give his speech to the nation.
As a leader Premier Romeo, Juliet is saying to you, “this is the time to speak out against those elements that seek to stifle the progress on the island.” It takes courage, fortitude, and the ability to speak your truth. Some will criticize you and others will applaud you for taking a stance. That is human nature.
Are we still enslaved by the masters? Who are the masters? Are we so enslaved mentally by a few people on the island who are in power, or have money to pay off some people that we abide by their rules? Do we still blame the British or are the rulers on the island more ruthless than the British who enslaved our ancestors? When do we plan to let go of mental slavery and become more in control of our destiny? When are we going to take responsibility for rebuilding the island and move forward to a brighter future? Are we as a people willing to stand up and speak out for the betterment of the island? People of Montserrat, 20 years after the volcano, are we still afraid to move forward? It is time to unite, because in unity and harmony, love and peace, much can be accomplished.
2015 is a year of change. Montserrat is a small nation and I believe we can bring about the change together. The wind of change has been blowing over the island for the past month in case most people haven’t noticed. To quote Obama during his election campaign: “America, change has come!” It isn’t going to be easy, but we can do it.” “Montserrat, Change has come! Together we can do it.” The old regime is gone, so now is the time to support the new government. Break the cycle of being docile people. Premier Romeo, Juliet is asking you to show the people your ability to lead.
There is a sense on the island that outsiders are not entitled to speak their truth because they don’t belong here. That’s ridiculous! A Montserrat me born! Why would I spend money and time coming back here? On a spiritual level, within me, I AM Peace, Love, Joy, Harmony and Unity.
Namaste!
