The government of Dominica has declared three days of mourning for late president Vernon Shaw, who passed away on December 2.
The former president will also be given a state funeral by the government on December 14.
The days of mourning will begin on Wednesday December 11 to Saturday, December 14 as a mark of respect.
The Dominican Flag shall be flown at half-staff on all public buildings in the State during the period of mourning.
Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit described Shaw as a man who had a very distinguished career as a public officer, noting he believed in discipline, hard work and protocol.
On behalf of the Government and people of Dominica, the prime minister extended condolences to the family and friends of the former president. The Prime Minister said that in this time of bereavement, “our prayers as a people must be with Mr Shaw’s family.”
Skerrit, along with president Charles Savarin, Alix Boyd-Knights, Speaker and other members of parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other government officials are expected to attend the State Funeral.
Public viewing shall be from 2:00 pm at the Portsmouth Methodist Church Hall on Saturday.
The State Funeral Service will commence at 3:00pm at the Mount Wallis Methodist Church.
He will be laid to rest at the Portsmouth Methodist Cemetery.
All official mourners are requested to be in their seats no later than 2:45pm.
The family of the former president request that a contribution be made to the Cancer Society in lieu of flowers and wreaths.
The Prime Minister does everything, announces everything, gives everything! What a man!
threr days? is he out of it?
People are not spared even during mourning. please fellow Dominicans do not stoop so low,try to show some kind of understanding. Does it matter who declare a doy pof mourning honestly Long time agto I boasted that Dominicans were very educated people but I have taken my words back we have been reduced to the run shop level.
Eat all you self if you like sticks and stones can break my bones but words can do me know harm.
My back is broad.
Skeritt initially only indicated 1 day of morning(the day of the funeral) now it seems he has back track a bit. Sadly it took the death of Mandela to expose the double standard, as the govt and its machinery was placing more emphasis on Mandela’s death than their own local hero. Mandela was a great man but he never knew if Dominica existed.
The press release states that Hon R.M Skeritt is expected to be at the Funeral. Don’t be surprise when he leaves the state a few days before (under the pretext that he is on state business so that he can slight the fallen hero.) Hon. Reggie Austrie will stand in for him at the event.
Isn’t it the job of the President to issue a proclamation for a day or period of national mourning? Has the proverbial cat taken the tongue of our sitting President effectively precluding him from commenting on the passing of the late President Shaw? Why the reticence Mr. Current President? Does it take more gumption than you can muster? In your inaugural speech on October 3, 2013 you said…”I assume the Office of President without malice or ill will toward anyone…” In that same spirit Your Excellency, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
President Shaw was a man of wisdom, peace and strength. My deepest condolences to his family.
RIP to a great man, Late President Vernon L Shaw… u will surely be missed but not forgotten by the UWP
Charles Savarin vocal cord gone man, remind of his moo moo days in brussels
Daddy,,, May YOU R.I.P !!!!! May the Good LORD shelter you under his umbrella!!!!
Joan do you have a heart people are hear praying for the man family and you hear putting politics between what the hell is wrong with you people shame
I am sorry you lost your dad. Be encouraged!!!
The PM is trying to stop uwp from talking on radio with these days of mourning. I see
What is your problem and point? Why are you accusing the PM of this? Keep in mind UWP is not the current government.
The leader of UWP, if he so wishes, has the prerogative to speak on behalf of Party members and to offer condolence to Vernon Shaw’s family.
Please show some grace and use this space to pay your respect to a son of the soil who served our beautiful Island. His family and Dominicans near and far are mourning his loss. Sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace
Unadulterated crap. Maybe he is also trying to stop UWP on the national day of morning for Nelson Mandela.
You are so unpatriotic it is unreal. Everything is politics. Dummy!!
To the family of President Shaw. God bless you at this trying time; and may his soul rest peace in Heaven.
Freaking idiot…show some respect for a man who served his country with dignity and honor! A true son of the soil…more than could be said for the likes of you and the others who want to make this a political issue…Shame on you guys…you guys can never walk in Mr Shaw’s shoes…maybe you all should try to emulate him and his legacy instead of this nonsense!