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PM Browne Justifies Decision to Grant Asot Michael an Official Funeral
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is defending a controversial decision to grant the late Asot Micheal an official funeral, a matter that has stirred considerable debate and discussion among both the public and political spheres.
This decision was reached after what the Cabinet described as extensive and thorough deliberation, occurring just 24 hours after Micheal, the MP for St Peter, was tragically found stabbed to death in the hallway of his residence in Dry Hill.
Since the announcement of the official funeral, various critics have raised concerns regarding the appropriateness of such a decision, arguing that, according to l guidelines, a state funeral would be more suitable.
Critics assert that the constitution delineates specific criteria for state funerals, which are reserved for individuals of distinguished service to the nation. In response to these criticisms, Prime Minister Browne addressed the matter in detail during his weekly Saturday show on Pointe FM.
He reiterated that the decision was rooted in established protocols that have guided the determination of who qualifies for either a state or official funeral. In his explanation, Browne outlined that state funerals are specifically designated for a select group of individuals, including the Governor General, the Prime Minister, Members of the Cabinet, the Chief Justice, and National Heroes.
Furthermore, Browne indicated that state funerals could also be extended to individuals who, in the view of the Cabinet, have made an outstanding contribution to nation-building, highlighting that such contributions must also be accompanied by exemplary personal conduct. He provided the example of Sir Shridath Ramphal from Guyana, who was recently granted a state funeral.
Browne noted that while Ramphal served as the country’s former attorney general, it was his broader contributions, including his roles as Secretary of the Commonwealth and Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, that qualified him for such an honor. The Prime Minister elaborated on the additional requirements necessary for a state funeral, stressing the importance of informing friendly governments about the deceased’s passing and the subsequent arrangements for a state funeral.
To provide a clear distinction, Browne explained that official funerals are allotted to members of parliament, the leader of the opposition, the Speaker of the House, and the President of the Senate, among others. He underscored that the matter of funeral classifications is not just a bureaucratic formality but a reflection of the respect and acknowledgment due to individuals based on their service and contributions to the nation.
While the decision to accord Asot Micheal an official funeral has sparked significant dialogue around the criteria for such honors, the Prime Minister remains firm in asserting that the Cabinet acted in accordance with long-standing protocols designed to honor individuals based on their contributions and standing within the society.
This situation calls into question broader themes of legacy, recognition, and the standards by which we remember those who have served the public.
Prime Minister. I have the utmost respect for you and couldn’t be more proud of your achievements and how far you have brought our beloved Antigua; however, I am totally dismayed and disappointed that the late Asot Michael is not being given a state funeral. Regardless to past disagreements, Asot Michael was dearly loved by the vast majority of us Antiguans and he too has contributed tremendously in improving our beloved Antigua. No one is perfect. We have all sinned. YOU, Sir, are the man who has the final say so. YOU Sir are in charge. YOU Sir are the one who can break protocol and show the late Asot Michael and his family
final respect by granting a state funeral and allowing us Antiguans the time and space to show ours. After all will your legacy be one of vindictiveness and unforgiveness or one of love and forgiveness? Choose wisely my beloved Prime minister.