EDITORIAL - Honouring public servants

Numerous tributes came from near and far on the recent passing of outstanding public servant and clergyman, Canon Weeville Gordon. Streams of emotion flowed from those whose lives he had touched with his kindness and humour. This newspaper also joined in paying tribute to this humble man for his sterling public service, which spanned more than 50 years.

The Jamaica Information Service reminded us that the former custos of St Andrew acted in the position of governor general 72 times between 1994 and 2009. He was also appointed deputy governor general. And in 2007, the nation crowned him with the honour of Order of Jamaica. He has left large footprints in Allman Town, where he was the Anglican priest for many years, and there is even a road named in his honour in that community.

The news reports of his funeral indicated that it was impressive and solemn. Tributes aside, and based on all of the above, questions have been raised as to whether someone of the stature of Weeville Gordon ought not to have been accorded an official funeral. The query is not motivated by any representation from his sorrow-stricken family members or friends. However, people who are uncertain about the arrangements governing such events have queried why someone who had served at such a high level, and for more than half a century, was not accorded what they believed should have been an 'official send-off'. It should be borne in mind, however, that Canon Gordon, was first and above all else a priest, and, as such, persons involved in the planning, including his family, would have preferred to give primacy to the ecclesiastical traditions of his church - among them the role of fellow priests forming an honour guard, and covering of the coffin with a pall instead of the Jamaican flag.

Confusion

Last month, Granville Newell, director of media at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, wrote to this newspaper seeking "to clear up the confusion about who generally gets an official or state funeral". He was responding to commentary on the Gregory Isaacs' funeral after there was talk that he would have been accorded an official funeral. In the end, the ministry said it "assisted" with the funeral arrangements.

Mr Newell said it is by Cabinet decision that the Government of Jamaica accords official and state funerals. He explained that state funerals are reserved for prime ministers, governors general who die while in office, national heroes, and such other persons who the Cabinet may from time to time determine eligible.

He added that an official funeral is accorded to members of the Cabinet, the president of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, members of the Senate and members of the House of Representatives, widows and widowers of national heroes and such other people as may be determined by the Cabinet.

Indeed, this year, we have seen official funerals held for former ministers of government such as Horace Clarke, William 'Vunny' Isaacs, and Dr Herbert Eldemire. These men have all served their country well and were duly honoured in that final public 'send-off'.

But what of others who have given so much without seeking any reward? Looking at the local political scene today, it seems that too many of our politicians are busy seeking to improve their own fortunes or looking for ways to remain in power instead of making decisions that will benefit the majority of Jamaicans.

Respect for politicians and the political process is vastly diminished in many communities across Jamaica today. In contrast, many other public servants offer their service with a dignity and honesty that command attention in many small communities. Yet, in celebrating their life publicly, honour and respect need not be restricted to the protocols of 'official funerals'.

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