PM says government to likely accord official funeral for former MP Eustace “Teco” Lake
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government is expected to accord an official funeral to former parliamentarian and minister Eustace “Teco” Lake, following his death on Friday.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Browne said Cabinet will make a formal decision next week but indicated that Lake would likely receive full state support for his funeral arrangements.
“Next week, the Cabinet will make a formal decision, but I’m pretty sure he’ll be given an official funeral, so the government will take care of all of the expenses for his funeral,” Browne said.
Lake, who represented St. John’s Rural South on the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party ticket, died after a period of illness. Browne described him as a long-time friend and family member, recalling their connection from their school days at Princess Margaret School.
“Teco has been my friend from the time of secondary school at Princess Margaret School, and we had a relatively close friendship,” the prime minister said.
Browne said he was instrumental in encouraging Lake to enter politics ahead of the 2009 general election, when the party was seeking a new candidate for the constituency. Lake went on to win the seat in 2009 and again in 2014.
“I stood with him 100%,” Browne said, noting that Lake was “an affable person, very likable,” whose personality helped him connect with constituents.
Lake later served as Minister of Public Works before stepping down prior to the 2018 general election due to health challenges, including a kidney transplant.
The prime minister said news of Lake’s passing reached him while he was on the campaign trail Friday evening.
“That just killed the mood at the time, but we just had to plow through,” he said.
Extending condolences to Lake’s relatives, Browne added: “I just want to take this opportunity once again to extend sincerest condolences to his family members … and to know that we’re standing with them during this very difficult period.”
He concluded: “May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.”
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