BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The Governor General, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister are among scores of nationals and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis signing the Book of Condolence to mark the death of Jamaican cultural icon and acclaimed Caribbean academic, Professor Rex Nettleford.
“This is a tremendous loss,” wrote Governor General Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian in the Book of Condolence at the University of the West Indies Open campus at the Gardens.
“We as a People will always remember his outstanding contribution to our Caribbean and our world,” wrote Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Sustainable Development and Human Resource Development, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas on Tuesday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Security, Labour, Immigration and Social Security, Hon. Sam Condor wrote that Nettleford “was an outstanding contributor to mankind.”
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports, Information Technology, Telecommunications and Posts, Hon. Glen Phillip wrote: The People of the Caribbean have appreciated his contribution.”
“The Caribbean has lost a great son,” said Minister of Education and Information, Sen, the Hon. Nigel Carty.
Former Attorney General, Mr. Tapley Seaton wrote that Rex Nettleford was “an unforgettable personage with an abiding commitment to the University of the West Indies.”
Jamaica’s Minister of Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange said Mr. Nettleford will be given an official funeral.
She said funeral arrangements for the late vice chancellor emeritus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) are being made by the institution where Nettleford was attached to for much of his adult life, the Jamaica government, family and friends.
“The government is according an official funeral to Professor the Honourable Rex Nettleford. The funeral will take place at the UWI Chapel, Mona Campus on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. A planning committee has been put in place to make the necessary arrangements,” Grange told reporters.
“The government has taken the position that although it is an official funeral, the planning for the funeral and all other related activities, will be a collaborative one, which will accommodate the wishes of persons who were closely affiliated with Professor Nettleford,” she added.
The planning committee is being chaired by Professor Barry Chevannes.
Nettleford died last Tuesday at a hospital in the United States capital, Washington DC, where he had been admitted after suffering a cardiac arrest. His body has been cremated.
As part of the national tribute, there will be a special sitting of Parliament in honour of the professor on the day of the funeral.
“The Parliament also wants to take note of the passing of this great gentleman. We will be suspending the business of Parliament to allow four persons, possibly five, to address the Parliament at the bar of the House,” said Education Minister and Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives Andrew Holness.
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas signing the condolence book at the University of the West Indies Open Campus on St. Kitts Photo by Erasmus Williams
He identified former prime ministers Edward Seaga and PJ Patterson, in addition to past UWI chancellor Sir Shridath Ramphal and the present chancellor, Sir George Alleyne, as some of the persons who will address the House.
“We see this as significant in honour of the life of Professor Rex Nettleford.” said Education Minister and Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives Andrew Holness.
In keeping with Jamaican culture, a traditional nine-night ceremony will be held on February 11, the ninth night following Nettleford’s passing.
“This will be very representative of the kind of depth that Professor Rex Nettleford showed for his culture. We will move from the traditional, such as Kumina, through Rastafarian, Nyah.
