Castries, Saint Lucia: Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Lucia- Ernest Hilaire represented the country at the Funeral and Committal Services for Queen Elizabeth II. He also met with King Charles III and held an audience with him.
Through his social media, he expressed, “Today I have the solemn responsibility, on behalf of the Prime Minister, to represent the Government and People of Saint Lucia at the Funeral and Committal Services for Queen Elizabeth II.”
He added that she served as the Queen, first in our status as Colony and Associated State then as Queen of Saint Lucia when they became Independent. She served with distinction displaying warmth, understanding and respect for the aspirations of our people. She had an unfathomable knowledge of our island and people.
“I had the honour to meet her on a few occasions and regardless of varying views, she was remarkable in her commitment to the Commonwealth as a family of equal nations. Her graciousness was unparalleled. May she rest in peace,” said the deputy prime minister.
On Monday, September 19, all residents of and visitors to Saint Lucia involved in all sectors (public and private) and social and economic endeavors, are invited to pause for a 70-second national tribute, to reflect on the life and legacy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Church bells and sirens from fire stations around the island will sound for one minute and 10 seconds starting at 9:59 a.m. to herald the commencement of the 70-second reflection period, commencing at 10 a.m.
The 70 Seconds of Reflection will coincide with the day of the State Funeral and mark the end of the nationally-observed 10 days of mourning since The Demise of Her Majesty.
The government and the people of Saint Lucia will be represented at Her Majesty’s State Funeral and Committal Service in London by the Acting Governor-General, Cyril Errol M. Charles, the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, and Ambassador Anthony Severin, High Commissioner of Saint Lucia in London
