Apologies to Sir Ellis...

To many people, the debacle and fiasco that was the funeral for this country's last Governor General, first President and respected son of the soil is leaving a very sour taste in their mouths.

Among the many complaints heard so far are the use of NAPA as a 'venue' for what became a show as opposed to a dignified funeral, a massive break down in protocol and observances from start to finish, and the embarrassing position none that other than the Archbishop himself was placed in by being thrust into the proceedings as celebrant with no prior knowledge, no mention in the program, and nothing in place to celebrate what was struggling to be a Christian burial.

Are there hidden reasons for these offensive slights?

Or was this catastrophe on top of a tragedy the result of more bungling from a disorganized and amateur Administration having responsibility for things for which they do not qualify?

In the big picture, this event was supposed to create a dignified memory for all Trinidadians and Tobagonians as well as those in the region and many in the international community who may have had reason to rely on the good gentleman's time, advice or conversation in the past, and as the first holder of the highest Office in the land, one should have been able to comfortably assume that a feeling of professionalism would overlay an obvious experienced and respectful handling of his final good bye.

Sadly, this was not the case, and a muck up of this magnitude combined with the amateurish bungling on every level begs that someone or someones be fired.

There are some things that you should not attempt to wing, and protocols in these circumstances ought to be counted chief among these; to this writer this event is a blot on the national reputation, and had Sir Ellis been buried in the wrong plot I would not have been surprised.

To the last Governor General and first President of our beloved land, I would like to say thank you for your example Sir, and good bye on behalf of all of us whose lives are better because you served.

You were a gentleman, a scholar and a giant among men.

May you rest in peace,

Amen.