As a mark of respect for the passing of former Honourable Chief Minister, Mr Hubert Benjamin Hughes, a period of national mourning will be observed from Monday 14th June to Friday 18th June, 2021. Government flags must be flown at half-mast from Monday 14th June to sundown on Friday 18th June, 2021. All media are encouraged to ensure that their programming and publications are in keeping with the solemnity of this period.
The late Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes’ illustrious political career spanned several decades. He was a highly skilled orator and one of Anguilla’s most revered leaders having earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the Anguillian community for his historical recollections, forthrightness and unrelenting advocacy for what he believed to be right and just.
History will record him as a pivotal figure in Anguillian politics and a tenacious leader.
In light of his significant contribution to Anguilla, Executive Council has given its approval for the following arrangements for the final farewell:
1. On Tuesday 15th June, 2021 from 9:00am to 12:00pm, the body of the late Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes will traverse various communities around the island escorted by the Royal Anguilla Police Force to give all Anguillians the opportunity to bid farewell.
2. The late Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes will lie in State at the Anguilla House of Assembly from Wednesday 161h June to Friday 181h June, 2021.
3. A Special Sitting of the House of Assembly will be convened on Wednesday 16i!1 June, 2021 at 9:30am for past and present legislators to pay tribute and view the body.
4. Viewing of the body of the late Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes will take place as follows:
a. Wednesday 161h June 2021 from 12:30pm to 6:00pm- general public;
b. Thursday 171h June 2021:
i. 7:30am to 11 :OOam- school children; and
ii 11:OOam to 6:00pm – general public.
5. The holding of an Official Funeral for the late Mr. Hubert Benjamin Hughes in collaboration with the family on Friday 181h June, 2021 at 11:OOam. Tributes will begin at 9:30am. Regulations will be prepared for Friday 18th June, 2021 to be declared a public holiday
6. A procession of uniformed organisations and dignitaries will escort the body from the House of Assembly to the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, leaving the House at 9:00am. The casket will be conveyed by carriage.
7. A Police Guard of Honour will be drawn up at the Chw-ch 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.
8. Following the funeral service, the body of the late Honow-able Hubert Benjamin Hughes will be interred at the Bethel Methodist Cemetery where the Royal Anguilla Police Force will give the final salute.
– Press Release
*Editor’s Note – Mr. Hughes passed away on Friday May 7 and not Friday April 7 2021 as mistakenly reported by The Anguillian newspaper.
