As Montserrat celebrates St Patrick’s Day, Acting Premier Veronica Dorsette-Hector has called on both citizens and visitors to reflect on the deep historical significance of the occasion.
In a speech delivered on Monday, 17 March, on behalf of Premier Reuben Meade and the government, she emphasised the island’s unique ties to both Irish and African heritage.
She also honoured the sacrifices made by Montserrat’s ancestors, who fought for freedom from slavery on 17 March, 1768, and stressed the importance of remembering their struggles.
Saint Patrick, who was born in Roman Britain and believed to have died on 17 March, holds a spiritual connection to Montserrat due to his own fight for freedom, Dorsette-Hector added.
“Kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at age 16, he later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people,” she said.
She highlighted the importance of 17 March, 1768, in Montserrat’s history, marking the day when the island’s ancestors took a stand for a better life, free from the brutal system of slavery.
A revolt was strategically planned for that day, as many of the slave owners were Irish and celebrating, but it ultimately failed when information about the rebellion was leaked.
“The punishment, my brothers and sisters, was severe. Nine slaves were executed by hanging for their roles in planning the revolt,” she said.
Celebration
The acting premier acknowledged that while St Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the cost of freedom.
“We therefore take time to observe 17 March every year to honour our forefathers and pay respect to those who lost their lives in an attempt to make us free,” she said.
“The many freedoms we enjoy today – the freedom to express ourselves, socialise with each other, dance, sing and enjoy delicious food throughout the St Patrick’s Festival – is what they were denied.
“To be seen as a human being and not as chattels. These seemingly ordinary or normal actions are often taken for granted because we did not fight for them, but our forefathers did.”
She emphasised that the spirit of St Patrick’s Day, 1768, carries valuable lessons about unity, strategic thinking, perseverance, determination, faith, and loyalty.
“As a people, we must unite towards a common goal and undertake strategic steps to realise the vision of growth, prosperity and development of Montserrat and our people,” she said.
A better life
The acting premier said that just as Montserrat’s ancestors fought for freedom and a better life, that same determination must continue today.
“But as March 1768 has taught us, we cannot advance if there’s a broken link, acts of betrayal and disloyalty will thwart our efforts to advance this land,” she said.
“That aspect of Saint Patrick’s Day history must remain in the past.”
She urged those on island to appreciate the unique cultural significance of the annual St Patrick’s Day Festival, reminding them not to take it for granted.
“Let us cherish it, expand it, allow it to grow, but let us be grounded in the understanding of our history and heritage,” she said.
The acting premier reminded Montserratians and visitors of the message in the island’s territorial song, which, she said, encapsulates the island’s history and struggles while inspiring greatness.
“‘Rise up and make our country great with art and skill and sacrifice, with mass and drum, we celebrate triumphant masters of our faith’,” she said.
