Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has announced that a State Funeral will be accorded to Dominica’s first Chief Minster, the late Franklyn Andrew Baron who passed away at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on April 9, 2016.
Baron was 93 at the time of his death.
“By virtue of the fact that he served as Chief Minister of Dominica, he will be accorded the honour of a ‘State Funeral’ by the government of Dominica,” Skerrit, said on Monday.
He noted that an appropriate announcement will be made by the Office of the Prime Minister in respect to a “National Day of Mourning” and “other arrangements for his burial.”
“Certainly he made a contribution to our country over an extended period of time,” Skerrit stated. “He was one of the Dominicans who remained in Dominica to work for the well-being of our country and he was a major player in the private sector also.”
He described Baron as an Ambassador who served the country in different capacities and who was also “very straight forward”.
“I am sure many of us remember him as a person who was considered to be a very straight forward person. He would speak his mind at any given time; anywhere he had the opportunity to do so,” Skerrit noted.
Skerrit extends condolences to the family of Baron.
“On behalf of the Government of Dominica and my own personal behalf and that of my family, I wish to extend condolences to the family, the wife and children of the late Mr. Frank Baron who passed away over the weekend,” he said.
Baron was born at Portsmouth on 19 January 1923. He was educated at the Portsmouth Government School, The Dominica Grammar School, and St. Mary’s Academy.
He served in many capacities during his career both in the political and business sectors.
As a Labourite I never liked the Baron’s policies since he never liked Labour… However, as a Statesman, he does like every other Statesman deserve a State Funeral… But we must remember that after RBD defeated him, he abandoned Portsmouth and that left a damper on Portsmouth… today the people of Portsmouth are stuck with door glasses…
Last night someone asked if a State Funeral will be held for him. I replied, I would expect that. Pleased to know he will be getting one. As the First Chief Minister he deserves it.
Thanks Hon Baron for your kind services and honour to Dominica. You see, you see you perform well in office and you will receive the accolades that you have earned. We the Dominica people say good bye…and God Bless
DNO , why is Skerrits picture still portrayed there with Baroness. Is there nothing new and of more importance to promote?
ADMIN: We have no idea of what you are talking about.
You spoiled your comments. The second paragraph was unnecessary, uncalled for, out of place and unkind. You are insensitive.
I would have liked to comment further but will refrain from it in view of the passing of First Chief Minister Frank Baron, out of respect for him and this article in his honor and remembrance.
Frank was a great orator- a founder member of the DUPP the forerunner of the FREEDOM PARTY .The DUPP was an amalgam of various independents who cam together to ensure that Labour would not form the government at that time .
Frank was the man behind the scene which galvanized the Freedom Party into Government as well ..Eugenia Charles gave her mentor FRANK the privilege to be an AMBASSADOR for most of her time in office .Indeed his DUPP was effectively the FREDOM PARTY !!
The SKERRIT PM saw the need to give FRANK .S daughter the high accolades of ATTORNEY GENERAL /AMBASSADOR and MINISTER OF FOREIGH AFFAIRS over the years despite she never ever been in the political sphere unknown to the publics of DOMINICA as a gesture to FRANK and his FREEDOM PARTY!
Really the shadow of FRANK loomed over this labour although he was beaten on various elections by the LABOUR Party of leblanc .
By his ownership of the CHRONICLE he did “manners ” Roosevelt Skerritt …which he sold to his…
Of course state funeral ok but it would be more fitting if Skerrit had named Melville Hall airport (legally) after Frank Baron than using the names of two predecessors that died in mysterious circumstances to score cheap points for himself. of the dead nothing but good, isn’t it Roosevelt, especially when they can not bite you any more.
You can all laugh and put thumbs down, that’s ok. But I can sense the spirits of Rosie and Pierro not at rest and troubling that Melville Hall airport that has turned into an expensive failure. Skerrit should never have evoked the spirits of these men by using their names in vain for his own vanity and popularity. I am telling you all I’m not using that place again if I can help it because unhappy restless spirits haunting that place now.
On point-well said.