State should not pay for private burials

05.APR.07

Editor: I was fortunate to have worked with the late Glenn Jackson for two years at Radio St. Vincent and the Grenadines (705). During that brief time Mr. Jackson became not just a friend but a mentor. I am still saddened by his passing. His contribution to our country is significant and worthy of national recognition.

However, I am dissatisfied with the reason given by the Prime Minister in the Searchlight Newspaper as justification for the state bearing the cost of his burial.{{more}} Based solely on the information provided, I deem the expenditure a breach of the public’s trust. It is immaterial whether the cost was one dollar or $100,000. If it is not the principle of the state to pay for private burials, then it should not. Of course, there will always be extenuating circumstances, as in the case of indigence.

Per the Prime Minister “the state gave to Glenn a funeral befitting the honour that he deserved”. Incidentally in all three of the local papers this week (March 30th) are moving tributes to a recently deceased Mr. Kerwyn Morris, someone I did not know. But from accounts in the local media, I gather he too made valuable contributions to the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the areas of fisheries and music. Based on the PM’s statement, here then is another who seemed eligible for similar honour.

I abhor the practice that says our principles and heroes have to be based on the current political flavour. This may have been our history, but is inimical to our present and definitely should not become our future.

S.P. Haynes