THE EDITOR, Sir:
I READ with interest your editorial on Sunday, May 6, 2001, entitled "Lying-in-State Is Not For Sale".
The fact that the funeral arrangers reportedly spent $120,000 in rental, for the use of the National Arena, does not in anyway elevate the funeral arrangements to that of "sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves".
The National Arena can be rented for any event provided that it is available and the various criteria are satisfied. Of course, one should be able to afford the rental.
I believe that what the family and friends of slain William 'Willie Haggart' Moore is ensuring, is that they have adequate space for his family, many friends, crews and associates to pay their last respects. I don't think that a question of a state funeral is intended.
For a body to lie in State it must be approved by Cabinet with all the various considerations. To the best of my knowledge this was never suggested, therefore the suggestion that "lying in state is not for sale" seems irrelevant.
Perhaps the issue should be whether or not in the future funeral service of all and sundry can be held at the National Arena. According to protocol, the funeral arrangers like many other persons may have used the phrase "Lying-in-state" ill-advisedly, The Gleaner's first duty must be to set the record straight.
I am etc.,
L. ANTHONY O'GILVIE
Kingston
