Dear Editor
DEATH is a must for all living creatures.WE do not and seldom can choose the way this final, inevitable end to the biological process is to be occasioned.
However, death tears at the consciousness of souls who are not yet inured to gruesome acts of violence, as in the case of Anthony Breedy, a Guyanese-born professional in the field of Agriculture, whose life was reportedly snuffed out by an irrational incident of violence – in the sanctity of his home – having not long ago remigrated to Guyana from Montserrat.
The snare of death reportedly shocked and horrified him, as he faced the trio of killers, one betraying his trust to set up a burglary coupled with aggravated robbery that knocked him unconscious early in the encounter. Mr. Breedy was powerless to raise an alarm as the blood-thirsty predators unsuspectingly rained fatal blows to vital body parts. Over-killing actions continued, with a sense of gratuity and the lure of a large loot. In retrospect, Breedy had missed that important biblical teaching that the hearts of men are desperately wicked above all things and was mortally victimised as a consequence.
Anthony Breedy had earlier responded to Montserrat’s call to fill professional spaces in a volcano-battered agricultural sector, suffering from mass migration of stakeholders. His application having met the approval of scrutinising officials, he was selected from a host of other applicants and started in 1998, a nearly two decades of service to Montserrat.
Though his demeanour remained calm, respectful and reticent, his singular dedication to the business of food production underlined his mission from the outset. Having experienced a stint in post-revolutionary Grenada, the agriculture of which had spiralled upwards during the period of the Morris Bishop-led political experiment- which too ended violently – Breedy was equipped to learn and to apply himself to his contractual duties in Montserrat, where volcanic troubles ruled the food-production roost. A better fitting agronomist could not have been wished for.
It was instantly obvious that Breedy knew the art of survival in a new space. Ever politically correct without being hypocritical, a challenging act, he practised good listenership skills, getting to know the elements of his social setting and weaving his natural attributes circumspectly in order to live and let live. It is clear that he was on a mission to put in honestly and to get out accordingly: with a broader objective of investing in life’s material comforts, but without disregarding spiritual fundamentals. We are put here for a purpose of service to others and it must be done with a calm demeanour backed by robust faith in the Creator of all things. Breedy was not necessarily religious, but a highly evolved spiritual being, who was a good counsel to all who needed.
This innate faith and prayerful reliance positioned him to tough it out in a work environment variously hostile and friendless – watching over his shoulder, back checking his movements. For him to last as long as he did, not patterning the worthless actions of colleagues in the same public business and space was a testimony to his strength of character and his willpower. He remained focused on his assignment as others collected from the treasury, though fully employed in private matters and whilst untrained “officers,” with no background in Agriculture, no formal education, except being well connected, remained employed and collected perks and salaries that exceeded or equalled his. These irregularities, still present, are well known by officialdom that looks the other way conveniently and consistently, as if British aid is considered an irresponsible cash cow.
Despite this, Breedy’s perseverance and patience lead naturally to him being the go-to man, a jack for most trades and a head cornerstone, strong enough in the end to independently reject overtures of an extension of his contract last year. Home, after a home of sterling service to the agricultural sector here on Montserrat, beckoned strongly and so he went, into the unknown, hoping for the good life that was well earned, this time to farm for self-gain on his newly acquired lands.
It was that work ethic that had worked for him in most times. He had become the central figure in the Department of Agriculture’s outreach efforts. Farmers knew him and called on him with confidence and his response was straightforward and on time.
He would thrust himself into the mix, whether it was in backyard gardening enterprises that are a constant; judging and the coordination of shows and competitions in other sectors that involved plants; surveying and data-gathering and travelling and representing Montserrat.
Many current and past graduates of the island’s primary schools know of Mr. Breedy’s prominence in their lives, establishing their school gardens, orienting and training youngsters in the art of record-keeping, sustainable farming, public speaking and mike control and they are remarking of his impact on their lives and the humility that is routine with his persona. At days end, Breedy and his tennis racket teamed to provide much needed recreation with competitors of the same mindset.
The evidence of volunteerism and sacrifice in a person’s life is the cornerstone of national recognition. Breedy embraced the cause of Montserrat, not necessarily for his emoluments, but because he was a fundamentally decent individual who recognised people as the centre of development. He has left an impressive legacy in his various walks on Montserrat that even before his tragic death, had inspired yours truly to contemplate recommending that he be endowed with a national honour for service to the agricultural sector and related areas of life. That thrust will be further energised from this time forward with no retreat.
Claude Gerald is a social commentator on Montserrat. Ceegee15@hotmail.com

Regards
Claude Gerald