Tonight, the remains of the late Rt. Hon Sir Manuel Esquivel have returned to his family home at #8 Daly street, the house in which the former PM lived, humbly excelled through a remarkable life, and spent his final years.
But those remains made quite a journey today, briefly leaving the home to lie in state at Belize's Government house.
And that's how Sir Manuel's Family along with the government staged the first part of a stately send-off that is quite a unique and markedly secular twist on the state funeral of a former Prime Minister.
And on one of the bleakest days of the year, the country finds itself in mourning, mourning for a Knight under the order of Saint Micheal and Saint James, a reluctant politician, a quiet scientist, a teacher, a leader who proved Belize did have a working two party democracy, and a man devoted to both country and family.
Here's a look at the events of the day:
The Procession started out at the Esquivel family home at #8 Daily street where the Urn party led by Major Rueben Cowo went upstairs and picked up Sir Manuel's ashes.
The cortege went down the street, rounded the corner onto Queen Street and made its way across the Swing Bridge.
It proceeded down Albert street all the way to the Government House and was taken inside where it was received by the chief mourner Lady Esquivel.
From there a number of government officials and invited guests came to pay their last respects including the Chief Justice, Prime Minister John Briceno, and Former Prime Minister Dean Barrow who stopped for a moment in front of the urn as well as many Cabinet members.
But perhaps the most poignant moment was when long time Esquivel Political comrade Michael Finnegan went and stood at attention in front of the Urn to give a tearful goodbye.
Michael Finnegan, Esquivel's Political Comrade
"On behalf of my family and the people I love closely, I want to say that we love the earth you walked on. Goodbye my friend."
Tomorrow's State Memorial for Sir Manuel starts at 2:10 pm - again with a procession form his home.
It will be marked by the tolling of the bells along the route of a second cortege that will once again move from the Esquivel Daly street home to the grounds of the government house.
And the country will say Goodbye to the late Prime Minister as he wished with a musical concert staged to celebrate his life.
Finally, Sir Manuel's Family and friends will witness a traditional BDF 21-cannon gun salute before being presented with the Belizean flag, a token of his service to the nation.
Email
Print