The Government of Montserrat is informing the public that Friday September 14, 2018 is still to be observed as a National Day of Mourning, as a mark of respect for the late former Chief Minister, Bertrand Osborne OBE OD, in spite of changes made to the funeral arrangements due to the expected passage of Tropical Storm Isaac.
Mr. Osborne will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 15. However, in keeping with the ‘National Day of Mourning’, Friday September 14 will still be observed as a public holiday.
The former Chief Minister will be accorded an official funeral service by the Government of Montserrat on Saturday. The Official Service of Thanksgiving will be held at the Montserrat Cultural Centre starting at 10:30a.m. Prior to this, there will be a public viewing and signing of the book of condolences while the body lies in state from 8:00a.m. to 10:00a.m. at the Montserrat Cultural Centre.
A Mass of Thanksgiving will also be held at the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Look Out starting at 2:30p.m., followed by a funeral procession in Salem and interment at the St. James Anglican Church.
In accordance with Government of Montserrat’s standard practice for national mourning, persons observing national mourning and those wearing plain clothes when on duty should wear dark colours.
The island’s fifth Chief Minister died at his residence on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.
