State Funeral vs Official Funeral

Details

Latest

Tuesday, 12 February 2013 02:30

By Caseen Wilson

Antigua st. john's - In an effort to educate the public on questions over the weekend, as to the difference between a State Funeral and an Official Funeral, Caribarena sort clarification on the matter from officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister’s office.

An official said that there is a difference between a state funeral and an official funeral. The source explained that “a State Funeral is accorded to Governor Generals, Prime Ministers and Sitting Parliamentarians, while an Official Funeral is given to former parliamentarians, diplomats and outstanding members of the society at the discretion of the sitting government.

The source also added that in the case of a State Funeral the military will take the leading role, whereas the police will take the leading rolling in the official funeral.

When asked why the full three-volley gun salute will be given by an all-female firing party the source noted that it is basically the preference of the Cabinet’s committee. The gun salute can be given by an all-males, all-females or a combination of both.

An Official funeral was awarded to Mr. Winston Derrick who contributed significantly to the improvement of our country.  He was a hotel and restaurant owner and operator, and in the media, he excelled as a newspaper editor and radio station owner and operator.

Winston Derrick former owner and managing director of the Observer Group of Companies died suddenly on Saturday 2 Feb.

• < Prev
• Next >