BRADES, Montserrat – Members of the family of the late Dr. John Alfred Osborne have confirmed that the ‘Official Funeral Service’ will be held on Friday, January 21, 2011.
Dr. Osborne passed away in the United States on Sunday, January 2 after a long illness. His body is scheduled to arrive on island Sunday, January 16th.
The Office of the Chief Minister is coordinating the government’s involvement in the ceremonies to honor the life and work of Montserrat’s longest serving chief minister. Dr. Osborne will Lie in State on Friday, January 21 from 8:00am until noon in the Montserrat Cultural Centre, which also serves as the Legislative Council Chambers.
The official funeral will begin at 2:00pm after the cortege makes it way from the government headquarters in Brades to the Montserrat Cultural Centre.
Several video tributes will be played during the Celebration of Life reception scheduled to begin at approximately 5:30pm.
Dr Osborne holds the distinction of being the longest serving politician in Montserrat, totaling 35 years. He first came to the position of Chief Minister in November 1978 and continued until losing legislative council elections on October 10, 1991. He also served in this capacity from 2001 to 2006.
The Late former Chief Minister, Dr. Osborne will be laid to rest at the St. Peters Anglican Church cemetery on Saturday 22 January at approximately 8:00am.
