Jeevan A. Robinson
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Resilience in the face of tragedy is an admirable quality. The people of Montserrat, in their collective entirety, throughout these past 20 years of volcanic discourse, have often been described as such - resilient.
On June 25, 1997, 19 lives were lost as a direct result of the volcanic devastation that has impacted the island these almost 20 years. The loss of life was, and still is a solemn occasion for all the island's people; for as the echoes go, it could have possibly been avoided.
But today was not the day, nor the moment for recriminations as to who was neglectful, too political, too gung-ho or anything of that nature. Today has been a day for Montserrat’s reflection to be considered in the light of what the island has endured, and where the island has come to thus far in its rebirth.
Of the 19 lives lost, I know of friends who lost parents and other loved ones. On a personal level, our family too suffered a loss on that day, with an uncle, Phillip Robinson losing his life in the volcanic tragedy of June 25, 1997. My neighbour also, Joseph Greenaway aka Shortman, also lost his life on that fateful day.
A community as small as Montserrat could have been broken irreparably from such a massive blow to the national psyche. Sometimes I wonder frankly if this volcanic devastation – even though it has presented much opportunity for the island in many regards – if it has not also shifted a section of the national psyche in ways that only professional assessors can ascertain whether this has been good, or fundamentally bad for the island’s future prospects. In time to come we shall all see, I suppose, where this all bares fruit for the island and her people.
Despite all the questions that remain, and the fights that have ensued during these years of regrowth, Montserrat still remains a land that has not lost touch with its most endearing qualities. As big a demographic shift as the island has had with some changes noticeable socially - the overriding theme for Montserrat is one of peace and an enduring non-violent commune.
For this, after 20 years, visitors can still come and walk amongst residents, and within a few hours feel as if they have always lived with the island's people. This is strength of purpose, a fashionable and commendable display of resilience with quality in the face of gigantic odds. If for peace and relaxation only, then all visitors should afford themselves even a day walking the soil of Montserrat.
After today is done, and these 20 years have been observed, Montserrat will continue on. The lives of those 19 lost along the flanks of the Soufriere Hills Volcano will be remembered for even a 100 years on from today, for their sacrifice is Montserrat’s sacrifice. A sacrifice of resilience and hope.
It is within the island's remit to not only remember those lost lives just for one day, and then tomorrow relegate them back to collateral loss to be expected from nature’s fury.
More so, as the island grapples with politics, economics, personalities, cultural shifts and social transformation, amidst all of its redevelopment tasks - there should be an all-encompassing legacy to never forget why Montserrat's people, both on the ground and throughout the Diaspora, fight for Montserrat.
It is who we are as a people together that will make history record this volcanic tragedy as a uniting force, and not as a detriment and an instrument of division, loss and stagnation.
We respect those lives lost by paying homage to them all, and offering our deepest regards to their families who remember them and mourn them today and always. Montserrat remembers, and she moves forward in observance.
