Prime Minister Gaston Browne has clarified the criteria for granting state funerals, specifying that while former government officials and parliamentarians might be considered, only those with extraordinary contributions qualify. He noted that former MP Asot Michael’s contributions, while acknowledged, did not meet the high standards required for such an honor.
Browne explained that state funerals are typically reserved for individuals like heads of state, prime ministers, or national heroes who have shown “exemplary contributions in both service and character.”
He distinguished between state and official funerals, stressing, “For a state funeral, the individual must have served beyond the ordinary, far exceeding their basic duties.” And, “The recipient of a state funeral must be beyond reproach.”
To illustrate the level of achievement expected, Browne referenced Sir Shridath Ramphal’s state funeral in Guyana, noting, “His positions as head of CARICOM, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and his distinguished legal career set him apart, justifying his state funeral.”
For figures like Michael, who have served as Members of Parliament, the protocol dictates an official funeral, which involves attendance by government and parliamentary peers. Browne emphasized the scale of a state funeral, explaining, “It involves declaring a half-day or full public holiday, international notifications, and the presence of dignitaries from various countries and organizations, making it much more extensive than an official funeral.”
Browne reiterated that Michael’s contributions, although notable, did not align with the monumental achievements of figures like Sir Lester Bird or Sir Ramphal, thus not warranting a state funeral.
