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The Classics

Photo Flashback: Snapshots from the funeral of Sir Donald Sangster

Published:Friday | April 25, 2025 | 5:38 AM
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The flower-decked vault, final resting place of Sir Donald Sangster in the George VI Memorial Park. These wreaths were laid by members of his family, officials of the State, and representatives of foreign governments.
The Minister of Housing, Clement Tavares (dark suit) and the Premier of the Bahamas, the Hon Lynden Pindling, were among the large mass of persons who filed past the casket bearing the body of the late Prime Minister, the Hon Sir Donald Sangster, during the final day of the official lying in state at the Kingston Parish Church in April 1967.
The Jamaican Regiment takes the casket bearing the body of Sir Donald Sangster from the Kingston Parish Church. He was buried at the George VI Memorial Park on April 17, 1967.
Ministers of religion representing various denominations who participated in the services. At the microphone is the Anglican Bishop of Jamaica, the Rt Rev P. W. Gibson. Others (from left) are Archdeacon E. L. Maxwell, Rev A. H. Smythe, the Rt Rev Cyril Swaby, suffragan bishop of Kingston, Rabbi Bernard Hooker, spiritual leader of the Jewish congregation and the Rev M. E. W. Sawyers, president of the Jamaica Council of Churches.
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On April 18, 1967, Jamaica bid farewell to its second prime minister, Sir Donald Sangster, in a state funeral marked by solemnity and national unity. The Kingston Parish Church overflowed with dignitaries and citizens alike while thousands lined the streets to pay their respects. The procession, accompanied by military honours and the poignant notes of the Last Post, culminated at George VI Memorial Park where Sir Donald was laid to rest beneath the green willows.