Dear Editor,
As a student of life (an admittedly terrible one), I am always fascinated at the way the world turns. It does not always turn according to plans and calculations and the expectations of meagre human wisdom. But it does turn, and that alone is enlightening. The instance of Monsignor Terrence Montrose stands as model and poster in this respect.
Forty years ago and counting, this land was awash in continuous turmoil. There was state-incited tyranny in the streets: baton wielding and charging police ranks; menacing mounted presences; and crowds of political scabs. There was intimidation, palpable fear, and concerted violence in the streets. In the vanguard of the conscientious objectors and protesters was the Roman Catholic Church of Guyana. From priests to parishioners to publications, it was a formidable voice, consistent agency, and unswerving challenge to what was believed to be wrong and unacceptable; what was dangerous to worshippers, citizens, and country. Guyana was all of those things, and then some more. The Catholic Church was not appreciated for its fearless efforts; its leaders and people targeted and harassed; one even murdered. Monsignor Montrose was right there, among the so-called dissidents; whether in the street in solidarity, or in front of the police station risking the wrath of those with orders to fulfill. That ire and the accompanying outrages that were meted out to vulnerable citizenry and obstructionist church put this product from the impoverished ward of Albouystown, this diminutive, Afro-Guyanese priest (a rarity) right into the centre of the political and social storms then raging. He did not flinch. Like the church, he did not earn many friends where such counted.
That was the context from long ago history. And in this society people do not forget: not citizens, not friends nor foes, not politicians. Especially vindictive politicians and political groups with axes to grind and scores to settle. That has been the norm, the sorry tit-for-tat that overwhelms the local environment. And yet here is this refreshing moment and development, this opportunity seized to celebrate what has been positive, exemplary, and contributory. That would be the long and dedicated service of Monsignor Terrence Montrose to his church and community, and by extension, if not by default, to his country. The opportunity was the 2019 Mashramani Holiday and through the announcement of this year’s national awards.
On this auspicious occasion in the short troubled life of this country, there is the same PNC (now APNU) reaching out and recognizing the works and gifts of Monsignor Montrose. It is well deserved and a singular tribute to a man of God, who served the people of God, all of them. A man, a citizen, a priest, who knew and preached and practiced the proper place to which Caesar belongs, and what is rightfully due to that earthly master. And, when what is wrong and not rightfully due, then to stand up and against and say: No! Not this way. Not today. Indeed, there is limit to the trust that should be-could be-placed in princes. The fact that a priest from the dreaded-and at one time despised-Roman Catholic Church could be so honoured with one of the highest awards that this land has to give is informative as to the distance traveled from decades ago to this day. The fact that the PNC leader (and coalition aside, let there be no kidding of self), President David Granger could take this step, as the final decision-maker, speaks wonders as to the journeys of man. It sets an unprecedented standard in an imperfect, unforgiving world as to what can be achieved, and where this country can go, if only there is allowance and willingness to look hard at ourselves and then be ready and committed to starting over cleanly and distinctively.
I think the government should be praised for this recognition of Msgr. Montrose. It is a good step; many more are needed. I know that Msgr. Montrose and the Catholic Church have now come a far way in the eyes of those who once beheld them as the enemy, and as an entity to watch and suppress. Now having come this far, the political leaders in this country have a still farther way to go. May they be ready, if only to give a chance to mend and heal. And to grow. It starts with men like these. It continues with gestures like these from the top. This is what makes the world turn, makes it really go round.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
