Romeo Warns UK of 48-Hour Window to Save Montserratian Calypsonian “Shorty” Baker

Opposition Member of the Legislative Assembly and former Premier, Donaldson Romeo, has renewed his appeal for urgent government intervention to secure advanced medical care for Montserratian calypsonian and mechanic, Landis “Shorty” Baker, who remains hospitalised in Jamaica.

In a letter dated October 8, 2025, addressed to both Governor Harriet Cross and Premier of Montserrat Reuben T. Meade, Romeo said Baker’s condition has worsened while receiving treatment at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Jamaica, which continues to operate under severe strain due to ongoing reconstruction. He said the 63-year-old is now dependent on oxygen and cannot travel commercially, making an air ambulance transfer either to the United Kingdom or a better-equipped hospital within Jamaica essential.

“Mr. Baker is enduring severe and ongoing pain. His condition has now reached a stage where recovery depends on urgent and specialised medical intervention,” Romeo wrote. “As a dual citizen in crisis, he deserves, and urgently requires, the support and cooperation of both jurisdictions, the UK/Montserrat governments and the Jamaica government, to ensure timely access to the care he desperately needs.”

Baker, who has lived and worked in Montserrat for more than 15 years, travelled to Jamaica several months ago for specialist treatment unavailable on the island. Romeo said Baker initially covered his expenses through personal savings and the support of friends and well-wishers, but those funds have now been exhausted. His daughter-in-law and her husband have since been carrying the financial burden, despite their own limited means.

According to Romeo, Baker’s brother in London has confirmed that he and his wife are prepared to assist with his recovery if he can be transferred to the UK. However, with his health deteriorating and the local hospital under pressure, Romeo said waiting any longer could worsen his condition.

He noted that although Montserrat’s Minister of Health Dr Ingrid Buffonge has responded, there has been no official response from UK authorities despite multiple letters to senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy. “Despite these extensive efforts,” Romeo stated, “I, an elected Member, have yet to receive any formal response regarding a life-threatening crisis faced by our fellow British national and citizen.”

Romeo also criticised what he described as a “rigidly applied” UK Home Office and British Consulate policy that excludes Jamaicans with dual UK citizenship from receiving humanitarian consular assistance, a stance he says could endanger many British citizens of Caribbean heritage.

“This risk exists regardless of their travel destination, legal status as British citizens, or the extent of suffering or loss of life involved,” he warned. “Even the UK’s Windrush citizens of Jamaican heritage who have lived, worked and paid taxes in the UK for the past 40 years would be treated this way.”

While Romeo maintains that medical evacuation to the UK remains the most effective solution, he said a compassionate and practical alternative would be to facilitate Baker’s transfer to another hospital within Jamaica if that could be arranged more swiftly.

He closed his letter by urging both the Government of Montserrat and the British Consulate in Jamaica to act within the next 24 to 48 hours to coordinate Baker’s transfer. “I trust that within the next 24-48 hours, you will treat this matter with the highest level of urgency and extend your support to ensure that Mr. Baker finally receives the care he so desperately needs”

“To borrow the words once used by the Rt. Hon. David Lammy MP in reference to the Windrush generation,” Romeo wrote, “I too find it ‘inhumane and cruel’ that a British citizen should be knowingly left to endure such hardship, unaided, for so long.”

Baker, affectionately known as “Shorty,” is a respected mechanic and well-loved figure in Montserrat’s cultural community. He has been a regular on the calypso stage for many years. His case has reignited debate over Montserrat’s limited access to specialist medical services and the ongoing challenges faced by residents needing overseas care.

For further information, the Office of the Opposition can be contacted at romeod@gov.ms or +1 (664) 491-2197.