The Prime Minister clarified that while former government officials and parliamentarians may be eligible for a state funeral based on their contributions, Asot Michael’s achievements did not reach the threshold necessary for this honor.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne explained that state funerals are reserved for figures like heads of state, prime ministers, national heroes, or those who demonstrate “exemplary contributions both in service and character.”
Browne elaborated on the protocols that differentiate an official funeral from a state funeral, noting, “For a state funeral, the individual must have contributed at a significant level, beyond the call of duty.”
He added that any recipient of this honor must also be “beyond reproach in terms of integrity and character.”
Using the recent example of Sir Ramphal’s state funeral in Guyana, Browne highlighted the level of achievement required: “Ramphal’s role as head of CARICOM and the Commonwealth Secretariat and his work as a legal luminary placed him in a different ‘stratosphere’ in terms of contribution. That in itself qualified him for a state funeral.”
For Members of Parliament like Michael, the standard remains an official funeral, involving attendance by government officials and parliamentary colleagues.
Browne specified, “When you accord someone a state funeral, it requires a half-day or full public holiday, and notifications to various countries and organizations, who in turn send dignitaries. It’s a far more significant protocol than an official funeral.”
Reiterating that Michael’s contributions did not meet the standard, Browne stated, “The contribution of Comrade Asot Michael does not rise to the level of a state funeral to be the equivalent of [Sir Lester Bird] or [Sir Ramphal] in terms of the accolades accorded to him.”
The video is included below for full context of the discussion:
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He added that any recipient of this honor must also be “beyond reproach in terms of integrity and character.”
I guess politicians no politician in Antigua and Barbuda would qualify pertaining to going beyond the call of duty. I remember politicians telling locals, I cannot help you by doing my duty of recognizing that an endeavor that protects victims of crimes and terrorism are advocated for and research conducted to properly represent such victims, their family, community and country.
Also, going above and beyond includes only focusing on your people’s success and not being more wealthy while in office but instead should be the opposite when your goal is to represent and focus on your people as a politician.
No politician I believe could ever prove they go above and beyond, so no politician could qualify. No PM, no AG, no MP, no senator, nobody in Antigua and Barbuda.
The only person who could qualify is the person who said, you know what, I do not qualify for this position, thank you for offering it because I am your friend and I support you but give this job to someone better suited.
Until then, no one qualifies. So, the PM is right that not even he, the PM, qualifies just like MP Asot.
Not a PM who blocks those he is representing from contacting him. You represent them all, they must have access to you. Whether you like them or not. Go above and beyond for them all.
Well with that the PM is diffinitely not qualify for a state funeral if integrity come into play so I hope you know that’s out for you sir and your Minister because none of you qualify for a state funeral if Hon Asit isn’t
Y’all just like free stuff, bury the guy already and worry about the fact that Antigua is being given away to the Chinese and everybody else that has money while we live in decripid conditions.
Y’all need to just bury the guy and worry about issues like the Chinese and everybody else that has money taking y’all property and making y’all live in decripid conditions. Stop looking for handouts and free stuff go work for something instead of stealing from each other…
ALL Politicians have no integrity … they may behave, but none of them have clean hands CAUSE POLITICS IS A DUTTY TING
It is interesting that the PM talks about the standard being “above and beyond the call of duty” He should now call in the GG to explain the national honour’s, which since the UPP gave out over 50 in their first year, has progressively become a national disgrace. Someone works for government and gets paid but gets a national award. For what? Or some investor contributes to Halo Foundation and National Orchestra and gets a knighthood. As an investor he is here to make money, nothing less. If a teacher goes home and gathers children in the area and give lessons free that is above and beyond. A nurse goes home from work and in her own time assists the elderly in her community for free. That is above and beyond. Tell the GG to get his act together.
@Truth seeker, you are completely correct. I am going to encourage Antigua’s government official to read your comment. It is correct.
Which protocol? We have had only TWO parliamentarians to die in office since 1991. The first was Reuben Harris and the other was Charlesworth Samuel. Both received state funeral. I do not know which protocol you are referring to. My Boy go get your head checked. You are being deliberately deceitful. My admonishion to every time that I comment on your deception will be this, “there is life and death after politics for those who get out before death. Wealth, lies, theft, malice, nepotism nor ego will take you into the pearly gates.”””””
Straight Shooter. Go back and read what the PM said. He said a certain standard had to be met for a State Funeral. Do not compare Asot to The late Reuben Harris and Charlesworth Samuel. These were 2 giants who made great contributions to this country over decades. Ask why Marriott went to St. Kitts after first coming to Antigua and meeting with Asot. We could have had that Marriott here.