Red rose and an official funeral

Dennie Quill, Contributor

The voice of the smooth crooner Gregory Isaacs is now silent. The unmistakable vocals that thrilled music lovers for decades will, however, be remembered for a very long time. He has made sure of that by producing more than 500 albums during his long career. The man whom we called the 'Cool Ruler' died at his home in London last week from lung cancer at age 59.

Reactions to his death and tributes that have poured in from all over the world confirm that although the fedora-loving Isaacs did not achieve mainstream success, he was widely recognized and embraced by fans all over the world. For my personal tribute, I have reserved a Red Rose for Gregory, immortalised by him in one of my favourite numbers.

But moving beyond that, I note that funeral services for the late singer are being planned in England before his body is flown to Jamaica for burial.

Officials reacting

Among the officials reacting to Isaacs' death was culture minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange. In paying tribute to the singer/songwriter, she disclosed that she would be playing a role in the organisation of the funeral. So far, we have not been told how much it is going to cost the taxpayers of Jamaica for this commitment made by the minister.

As the chatter about his death has increased, it appears that there are plans to accord Isaacs an official funeral. I take that to mean all the expenses associated with the funeral are to be borne by the government. There are even family members who feel that it would be a fitting tribute for him to be buried in National Heroes Park alongside cultural icons like Louise Bennett and her husband Eric Coverly. Well, Dennis Brown is resting comfortably there, so one may ask why not Gregory? I am still trying to remember the rationale for interring Dennis Brown at National Heroes Park.

A little confused

I must confess that I am a little confused about the criteria used to determine when government intervenes to assist citizens with funeral expenses. I know that former government ministers are usually accorded official funerals, but I would love to understand the general protocol for official funerals. I expect that the explanation may go something like this: Official funerals are given as a mark of respect to public officials and distinguished Jamaicans from various backgrounds and professions, who have made significant contribution to their country. Sounds like the criteria for national honour. Mr Isaacs apparently did not qualify for such recognition in his lifetime. Accordingly, I believe a family funeral, not an official funeral, is appropriate for Gregory Isaacs.

One can understand government's intervention in a case where there is a tragedy or where an indigent dies and the relatives do not have the means to give such person a decent burial. That does not appear to be the case with Mr Isaacs. He died at his home in London and there is to be a funeral service there. From all indications, his family and friends can find the money to bury him. This is what happens in most families. Death brings together family members and they make their contributions toward the funeral.

Sometimes we forget that we are a poor country laden with debt and unable to satisfy some of the basic social needs of majority of our citizens. In any event, there is a long list of great and neglected Jamaicans who were never recognised by their government, neither in life nor in death.

Feedback may be sent to columns@gleanerjm.com or denniequill@hotmail.com.