Lives that moved Belize, 1979
National Library Service

Captain Monrad Sigfrid Metzgen

As we look back in Belizean history and Belizean personalities, and think of those who have left an impact and motivation on our society.  One such person was surely Captain Monrad Sigfrid Metzgen, known mostly as Captain Metzgen

Cap’n Metzgen was born of humble parentage, a Belizean Creole who in later years became an erudite person by his own private studies and one who was equally expressive in Creole as in the sovereign’s English.  Yet, he was totally loyal to his work as a public offer and to service to his native land.

Monrad Sigfrid Metzgen was born in Belize in 1894. Later he was to be associated with Broadwater Park by Belcan Bridge and Pine Crest by the Airport.  He attended St. Mary’s Primary School, the continued private secondary education. Then he joined public service as a copyist.

In the public service, Monrad Metzgen rose to the heights as a District commissioner, Income Tax Officer, Acting Treasure Superintendent, etc.  He moved with the colonial governors but never lost the common touch, although he could express himself at tunes even better in their language. He always kept his head about the clouds.

At retirement, Cap’n Metzgen did not stop his great work for Belize. Sure, he was a sportsman during the era of his public service. Sure he left the first bicycle race out west in 1928, where Elstan Kerr won. He even wrote a book about it and it was such an acknowledgement that as from 1979 it appears that a wreath will be laid on his grave as that of the great Elstan Kerr.

But with retirement, the statures to his society grow.  He served as part-time librarian from 1941 to 1954.  He served as chairman of the Tourist Committee. With his left long friend Major P.E. Matthews of the police force, he opened an office in North Front Street.  In that office he trained many girls free in secretarial studies to be people of the community.

In that office he spear headed the formation of the Loyal Order of the Baymen and the selection annually of the Queen of the Bay.  In that office he was willing to help many people with advice. Many people remembered him on his large bicycle traveling through Belize City.  Many people sought his advice free of charge in his office. If anyone needed a friend, Captain Metzgen was there to help with a smile. He had gained the O.B.W and the J.P. because of his community services.  He has even helped in World War ii, in the Defense force, and even in the tragedy of the 1931 hurricane.  There are photos showing him looking after the dead in the 1931 hurricane at Loyal Park.

He died on the 14th of May 1956. His great friend Major P.E. Matthews of the Police Force died almost in the exact area by accident, a few years later. On the grave of Captain Metzgen at the right of the cemetery is written “If thou shouldst call me to resign, what most I prize, It never was mine; I only yield thee what was thine; thy will be done.”

To the people of Belize Captain Monrad Metzgen gave his all. His was surely one of the lives that moved Belize.