Of Dignity: An Open Letter To Joe Phillip of Montserrat

Dear Joe,

I just want to acknowledge you as being one of the true pioneers of media in Montserrat. Long before my brother Jeevan came on the scene, you were there struggling to make reliable information available in little Montserrat land of grudge and family. I thank you for your sustained effort in getting the word out. And I especially thank you for two things:

Firstly that you did not let Montserrat either destroy you or drive you away like countless others. (Montserrat has a long tradition as we know of driving away the Best and the Brightest, but you would not succumb to the nonsense.

Secondly thank you for believing in me and my work. Long before MNI you were there supporting me.

I never get quite so drunk as to forget kindness.

There are two words which I never hear the Clever and Honourable men who run the government say:

Dignity. With all the chat them a chat about Montserrat, I've never heard that word enter the arena of political discussion.

Where is Montserrat's dignity? Must we beg other's forever?

That is what is missing in any DFID, discussion.

We claim to be unique. What is it that makes us unique?

Is it the fact that a White Man can boast that he owns the water rights to all Montserrat's water? Is that why we are unique.

I suggest that for this Montserrat St. Patricks we just deal with our self and our yet un-treated madness . Close the doors and say simply:

"For this 20th year since the volcano, the Montserrat slaves would like to shut-down the Plantation. Our slogan is: "This year for us."

Again much love and thanks for enduring both Montserrat and me.

Love,
Edgar