ANGUILLA--The Executive Council has approved the holding of an official (state) funeral for former Chief Minister and revolutionary, the late Sir Emile Gumbs, on Friday, May 25.
He was the island’s second and longest-serving chief minister and served in that position from 1977 to 1980 and later from 1984 to 1994. He was a central figure in the early days of the Anguilla Revolution and was a Member of the Peace-Keeping Committee that ensured a smooth transition to law and order during those turbulent times. For his contribution to the Anguilla Revolution he was awarded with the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate in 1999. He touched the lives of Anguillans from all walks of life through his service both in Government and in the wider community. He is specially remembered for his sterling contribution to charting the course for Anguilla as a five-star tourism destination.
Friday, May 25, has been declared a Public Holiday to allow all Anguillians and others the necessary time to attend the funeral service. Flags are to be flown at half-mast from May 23 until sundown on the day of the funeral. His body will lie in state at the Courthouse building from Wednesday, May 23, to May 25 and that period has been declared an official period of mourning. Viewing of the body by the general public will take place from 1:00pm to 6:00pm on May 23 and from 7:30am to 6:00pm on Thursday, May 24.
A procession led by the Royal Anguilla Police Force and Police Band will leave the Courthouse at 10:30am on Friday. Participants will include past and present legislators, foreign dignitaries, uniformed bodies, family and members of the public. The casket will be conveyed on a gun carriage. Following the service the body will be interred at the Bethel Methodist Church cemetery at South Hill.
