The Following is the full text of a statement issued by the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Walcott Richardson, on Thursday,
January 10, 2013:
STATEMENT OF CONDOLENCE
THE LATE NARDINE LAKE
IN RECOGNITION OF HER INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTION DURING THE ANGUILLA REVOLUTION
The Government and people of Anguilla join in expressing our sympathies on the passing of Mrs. Nardine Lake.
Nardine, like so many other women of her time, played a key role during the Anguilla Revolution. She, along with many others, stood faithfully with the men at every stage of the revolution. In recognition of her outstanding contribution, she was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate in 1998.
The Executive Council at its meeting today Thursday January 10th, 2013 gave its approval for the holding of an Official National Funeral for this fallen heroine.
As a mark of respect, flags will be flown at Half-mast on the day preceding the funeral and until dusk on the day of the funeral.
A Police Guard of Honour will be drawn up at the Church and a contingent of uniformed officers will bear the body in and out of the church and at the graveside. The Casket will be draped with the national flag.
The Executive Council is cognizant that there have been a number of freedom fighters and foot soldiers who have passed on. They were once in the forefront of the revolution, and together with the leaders, can take much credit for the freedom and status Anguillians enjoy today. In most cases, there has not been much by the way of formal recognition accorded to these heroes and heroines at their funerals, for their invaluable contributions to Anguilla, except for flying flags at half-mast as a mark of respect. The time has come to re-examine the manner in which these persons should be honoured at their passing.
In this regard, a policy is to be developed to guide Government in the official recognition of Anguilla’s revolutionary heroes and heroines and other prominent Anguillians when they die.
To the family and relatives of this proud freedom fighter, we pray God’s guidance during these very difficult moments.
Walcott. A. Richardson
Minister of Home Affairs
