Howard Fergus

Sir Howard A. Fergus
KBE
Born Howard Archibald Fergus
(1937-07-22) 22 July 1937
Long Ground, Montserrat
Occupation Writer, historian, academic and teacher
Nationality Montserratian
Alma mater University of the West Indies
University of Bristol
University of Manchester

Sir Howard Archibald Fergus KBE (born 22 July 1937) is a Montserratian author and historian.

Life

Fergus served as the Speaker of the Legislative Council of Montserrat from 1975 to 2001, one of the longest terms for a presiding officer in the Commonwealth of Nations. He has subsequently returned to the post as acting speaker on several occasions, as well as periodically serving as deputy Governor of Montserrat and acting governor when the role is vacant. He has served on several committees related to constitutional and electoral matters.[1]

Teresina Bodkin was identified as a prospective speaker in 2009. She supported in getting ready for this role by six months of training by Fergus. During that time Fergus returned to his former role replacing the previous speaker, Joseph Meade. On 6 April 2010, Bodkin was selected as the first female Speaker of the island's Legislative Council.[2] Bodkin served until September 2014.[3]

He wrote the words for the national song of Montserrat, "Motherland", with the music composed and arranged by Dr George Irish.[4]

Honours

Dr Fergus was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1979 for services to education and the community in Montserrat, and was upgraded to Commander of the Order (CBE) in 1995. In 2001, he was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order (KBE).[5]

References

  1. ↑ "Howard Archibald Fergus". Caribbean Elections. KnowledgeWalk Institute. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  2. ↑ Teresina Bodkin, caribbeanelections.com. KnowledgeWalk Institute, Retrieved 12 February 2016
  3. ↑ Montserrat Elects First Female Speaker of the Legislative Council, gov.ms, Retrieved 11 February 2016
  4. ↑ "National Song Selected!". Government of Montserrat. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  5. ↑ "Queen's Knighthood Applauds Dr. Fergus". Montserrat Reporter. 2001. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
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