No Half Holiday for State Funeral, Gov’t Employees to get time off

All employees of Central Government and statutory corporations who wish to attend the State Funeral of Sir Vincent Beache will be given the necessary time off; there will he no half holiday for the general public.

The funeral will be held on Monday, August 19 at 2 pm at the Kingstown Methodist Church.

Persons who cannot find seating in the church building will be accommodated in the nearby Methodist Church Hall where a big screen and sound system will be set up to carry the funeral service live. Tents will also be set up in the church yard to accommodate the overflow.

A tent and big screen will also be set up at the Kingstown ceremony for the comfort and convenience of persons who cannot get close to the graveside.

Minister of Transport and Works Julian Francis made these announcements on We FM during the Issue At Hand Programme on Sunday.

Francis, who is also General Secretary of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) asked supporters of the ULP to be respectful, in terms of attire and conduct, of the fact that the funeral is not a political event but a State Funeral. He said he himself will wear a black suit with a red tie.

A release from the Office of the Prime Minister said official viewing of the body will be held on Monday, August 19 at the House of Assembly from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Officials will be invited to the viewing from 9 a.m. to 9:30 am, and the general public from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

As a mark of respect, all flags throughout the State will be flown at half mast on Monday, August 19.

The release said the family of Sir Vincent has requested that there should be no taking of photographs of the body during the official viewing period. There also will be no viewing of the body at the church nor open tributes.