GUEST COMMENTARY: BY EDWARD MONCUR
(EDITOR’S NOTE: We absolutely had to share this excellent tribute by Edward Moncur to his father Eris Moncur, who died this morning, as a Guest Commentary with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE.
NASSAU, Bahamas, July 30, 2023 — Months ago, as I kissed your forehead and told you that I loved you, I wished that I could take away the anguish and grief you were dealing with in losing your wife of many years, our dear mother Janet.
It was the only time I could recall seeing tears in your eyes and in that moment, I feared that you would soon be taken away from us as well.
Early this morning, you slipped away to heaven after having lived a wonderful life. You were an excellent father and I can’t express how fortunate I feel to have witnessed how deeply you loved our mother.
As the best educator in the history of the Bahamas, you shared the values of education and love of country with the many students you taught over the years.
These past few months, I have had the privilege to spend much quality time with you in your beloved Cat Island (San Salvador prior to May 1926) where you were born.
Our days were filled laughter and activity.
You are credited by Cat Islanders with coining the phrase “God’s good land” and we will see to it that that good land is your final resting place, according to your wishes.
Even as I grieve your passing, I’m happy that you were always surrounded by your children and grandchildren. We made many memories and on the most recent trip, you told me that I was “a good son”.
You carried yourself with dignity until the very end and your legacy will not be lost to history.
You and Mum are together once again.
Eris Moncur Sr., we called you our “Pappy”; sleep soundly in God’s arms.
With love… a good son
EDITOR’S NOTE: Eris Moncur and I are from the same generation and I knew him very well from boyhood days. Eris was among the crop of brilliant Cat Island students who were nurtured educationally by the renowned Bahamian educator Rodney E. Bain, who was Head Master at the government school in Cat Island for many years after returning from England in the late 1950s, having obtained a Master’s from the University of London, Institute of Education. ASP Leonard Ramsey, who was one of his students, posted the following on Facebook that we also decided to share as a Guest Commentary:
ERIS MONCUR WAS “THE EPITOME OF A TRUE CAT ISLANDER WHO DEFINED THE WORDS SERVICE AND EXCELLENCE”
GUEST COMMENTARY: BY ASP LEONARD RAMSAY
NASSAU, Bahama, July 30, 2023 — Cat Islanders, this morning I learned of the passing of Mr. Eris Moncur. To his children, especially Edward Moncur, grands, siblings, other relatives and the community of Knowles & Dumfries, please accept deepest sympathy from the Ramsey Family (The Cove) and right-thinking Cat Islanders everywhere.
Mr. Moncur was the epitome of a true Cat Islander who defined the words service and excellence. He gave exemplary service educating our people while serving as the principal of Government High School. Further, he was instrumental in the official launched of the Teachers Credit Union, which has grown tremendously over the years as a viable financial institution.
Most notably, he was a historian and mathematician of the highest order. He is credited for his factual stands on exposing the administrative oversight by the then oligarch Bay Street Boys, who by an Act of parliament in 1926 removed Cat Island’s original name San Salvador and gave it to Watlings Island, now called San Salvador. He presented convincing evidence to the Historical Society of the Bahamas, successive governments and to students nationwide to no avail.
Furthermore, he returned out of retirement to help in the math department at Old Bight School and the results were very rewarding. This great son of the soil can also be credited for being the brainchild of the now famous Rake & Scrape Festival. Moreover, he was the mastermind behind the media center in Knowles, which was named in his honor in 2019.
What’s more, he was a businessman, nature lover, and book writer. Here was a man who never rested on his laurels. He found positive things to do and did it with excellence and precision. The sayings “God’s good land,” “Cat Islanders are brain on legs” are all his own. He was in my opinion an honorable man of substance, a great husband and father to his children. He lived a decent God-fearing life that is worthy of emulation.
May he find peace in He who gives peace that surpasses all understanding. May the Moncur and Stubbs Family be comforted in knowing he lived a full life and gave it all to the betterment of humanity. It is my prayer Mr. Moncur is welcomed into that City not made with hands but Christ eternal.
That said, as one of his students and one who believes in what he fought for, I pause to extend a general salute. Farewell to a man who stood out among men. A man who maximized his God-given potential and truly died empty. He understood leadership and never kept knowledge but transferred it to others to empower them. Finally, please keep the bereaved family in prayer as they cope and reflect on the precious memories with their beloved. Penned by ASP Leonard Ramsey.
