It is my sad duty to announce the official funeral entitlements and honours for Dr. The Right Honourable Sir Aral Howard Archibald Fergus KBE OE PhD who died peacefully on 23rd March 2023 at the Glendon Hospital in St. John’s, Montserrat.
Now, therefore, I wish to proclaim that Dr. The Right Honourable Sir Aral Howard Archibald Fergus KBE OE PhD has been accorded a Military Funeral with Honours, and Wednesday, 12th April 2023, the day in which Sir Howard will be laid in his final earthly resting place, has been appointed a Public Holiday and a Day of Mourning throughout Montserrat. On this day, both the Montserrat and the British flags will be flown at half-mast.
We are all deeply saddened by Sir Howard’s passing, but his life and legacy will forever remain a heritage of our people. Dr. Fergus, as he was also affectionately known, was the inimitable son of Montserrat soil and an individual of distinguished accomplishments spanning that of Scholar, Acting Governor, Historian, Statesman, Diplomat, Poet and Writer. Held in highest esteem to worldwide acclaim, Montserratians everywhere can be proud that he yet lived a life of largest love and earnest endeavour, not only for our welfare, but also our intellectual, philosophical, and spiritual advancement.
Be it further conveyed, therefore, that it is meet, and right so to do, that we as a country assemble together and unite to pay homage of our abiding love and respect for the life of one who exhibited such unwavering character and achieved so much – a dedicated man of faith, humble, intellectual, witty and cool under pressure.
As I did before, I extend once again deepest condolences to Lady Eudora Fergus, wife of Sir Howard Fergus, as well as his children and extended family on behalf of the Government and people of Montserrat.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all Montserratians at home and in the diaspora.
Dr. The Hon. Samuel Joseph
Premier (Ag.)
4th April 2023