And now, an update on the memorial service for Right Honourable Sir Manuel Esquivel, the two term Prime Minister who died last week at the age of 81.
First off, he will be honored with a State Memorial on Wednesday afternoon at the Government House in Belize City. That means there will be no state funeral - that is, no church service. Instead, Sir Manuel - as was his wish - will be honored with a concert by leading musicians, and a eulogy by his son David, with remembrances by former Prime Minster Dean Barrow, and the current PM John Briceno.
Second, Sir Manuel has been cremated - so his body will not lie in state, per se - instead an urn with his remains will lie in state at the Government House. That will happen tomorrow, Tuesday, and due to COVID-19 restrictions, members of the public will not be able to go and pay their respects - only invited persons will be able to do so. But, the whole thing including the procession will be carried live on all media and on our social media pages, so you can watch from home starting tomorrow at about 1:30 pm.
And the State Memorial will take place on Wednesday - preceded by a procession from Sir Manuel's home on Daly Street. That will be followed by the concert and speeches on the stage at the Government House. Again, it is only open to about 150 invited persons - but it will be live on TV and social media starting at 2:00 pm.
