Avoid wearing red to Edgar Cruickshank’s funeral – PM

All Unity Labour Party (ULP) supporters are asked to avoid wearing red to the funeral of long-time political activist and former national cricketer, Edgar Cruickshank, which takes place tomorrow.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves made the appeal on Wednesday, {{more}}while conveying his condolences to the Cruickshank family during a sitting of Parliament.

Cruickshank died on December 7 after succumbing to injuries caused by a motor vehicle collision, which occurred on December 6, while he was attending a public meeting of the New Democratic Party (NDP). He was known to be a strong supporter of the ULP until recently, when it is said that the 78 year old man switched allegiance to the NDP.

“We need to make sure that he is laid to rest in dignity and I’m asking our supporters to avoid party colours,” Gonsalves said.

The Prime Minister noted that this request was also made for the funerals of Michael Hamlet and Glen Jackson who were also prominent members of the ULP.

Furthermore, Gonsalves stated that the 78 year old man was a close friend for over 30 years and declared that the funeral should be conducted in a manner that is in line with principles of a civilisation with Christian beliefs.

President of the NDP, Arnhim Eustace and vice president, St Clair Leacock also expressed their condolences to the family during the sitting of Parliament.

Eustace noted that he could not help but notice Cruickshank’s presence missing from the stranger’s gallery.

“He is a person who had deep interest in public affairs of St Vincent and the Grenadines. I don’t believe there is any member of the public who would have been as constant as him in the House,” Eustace said.

“I simply wish to say to his family, his wife and his many children, that they have lost not only a father, a husband, but they have lost an important Vincentian who by his constant presence here showed great regard for people of this country by listening to debates which are aimed at improving the wellbeing of Vincentians.”

Like Gonsalves, Leacock called for people from both parties to conduct themselves with decency when they attend the funeral this weekend.

Cruickshank’s body will be available for viewing from 1 p.m. tomorrow at the Questelles Evangelical Church. However, the funeral is expected to take place at the Chauncey Methodist Church from 2 p.m. (BK)