State Funeral for Sir Lloyd on July 14

The State Funeral for former Prime Minister Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford will be held next Friday, July 14 at 1:30 p.m.

The official announcement came today from lead organiser, Minister of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector, Colin Jordan who says the service will be held at the St. Peter’s Parish Church.

Speaking during a press briefing in Cabinet’s Conference Room to give an update on the plans for the State Funeral, Minister Jordan says it is being held in accordance with the wishes of the late Sir Lloyd, who years ago outlined in detail how the funeral proceedings should unfold.

He says they have also been working with Sir Lloyd’s children Garth and Inga to ensure the family’s wishes are followed.

From there he says, weather permitting, the casket will be transferred to a gun carriage for the procession to the church.

Minister Jordan says flags will continue to be flown at half mast in the lead up to, and on the day of the funeral.

Additionally, four books of condolence will be made available for members of the public at the Parliament buildings, Government headquarters, at the DLP’s headquarters and also at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Similar books will be available at all of Barbados’ Missions overseas, while a virtual condolences book is currently live at condolences.gov.bb/Sir-Lloyd.

He also says Sir Lloyd’s body will lie in state on two days before the funeral at two different locations.

Minister Jordan says while the funeral is being held on the first day of the summer holiday for the island’s schools, given Sir Lloyd’s invaluable contribution to education, they are appealing to schools and parents to play their part in having students line sections of the funeral procession route.

Meanwhile, Minister Jordan says the intention is to accommodate as many people as possible for the service at St. Peter’s Parish Church, noting that provision is being made for approximately 1700 people to be a part of the service of thanksgiving.

At the conclusion of the service, the late Sir Lloyd will be interred at the St. James Cemetery in a family plot, where his late mother and one of his daughters are interred.

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