State Funeral for Sir George F.L. Charles on July 7 |
Wednesday, July 7 has been set as the date for the State Funeral for the late Sir George F.L. Charles. This was officially announced on Tuesday, June 29, 2004. In keeping with the norm associated with State Funerals, Sir George’s body will be laid in the chamber of the House of Assembly on Wednesday morning, to allow relatives, friends, associates and members of the public a final opportunity to pay their last respects to the late labour hero. After the public exposure at the House of Assembly, the body will be taken to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where the State Funeral will be officiated with full honours. A Book of Condolences has also been made available for public signature as of this morning in the foyer downstairs the House of Parliament. Flags on state buildings and in other official quarters have been flying half-staff since Monday and by Cabinet decree, shall remain at half mast until Sir George’s State Funeral next week Wednesday. Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony yesterday, issued an official statement on behalf of the Cabinet of Ministers, in which he described the late Sir George as “a man who embodied a movement and an aspiration.” He said Sir George represented “a generation, which fought hard and sacrificed much to secure many of the rights and entitlements that we take so much for granted today.” The Prime Minister noted that the late Sir George “represented a quality of leadership that gave, but did not count the cost; that fought, but did not seek rest; and that laboured, but for no reward.” Dr Anthony said Sir George represented “an idea whose magnitude spanned all continents and whose rectitude overcame all human oppression.” The Prime Minister also urged that “the freedoms Sir George fought for yesterday, and that we now have and enjoy today be cherished and sustained for tomorrow for all generations of St. Lucians.” |
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