Saint Lucia: Nation to observe 70 Seconds of Reflection

Saint Lucia: On Monday, September 19, all residents and visitors to Saint Lucia involved in all sectors (public and private) and social and economic endeavours are invited to pause for a 70-second national tribute to reflect on the life and legacy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Church bells and sirens from fire stations around the island will sound for one minute and 10 seconds starting at 9:59 a.m. to herald the commencement of the 70-second reflection period, commencing at 10 a.m.

The 70 Seconds of Reflection will coincide with the day of the State Funeral and mark the end of the nationally-observed 10 days of mourning since The Demise of Her Majesty.

The people and government of Saint Lucia will be represented at Her Majesty’s State Funeral and Committal Service in London by the Acting Governor-General, His Excellency Cyril Errol M Charles, the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Ernest Hilaire, and Ambassador Anthony Severin, High Commissioner of Saint Lucia in London.

Deputy Prime Minister and MP for Castries South and Member of Cabinet – Ernest Hillaire stated, “Today I have the solemn responsibility, on behalf of the Prime Minister, to represent the Government and People of Saint Lucia at the Funeral and Committal Services for Queen Elizabeth II. She served as our Queen, first in our status as Colony and Associated State, then as Queen of Saint Lucia when we became Independent. She served with distinction displaying warmth, understanding and respect for the aspirations of our people. She had an unfathomable knowledge of our island and people. I had the honour to meet the Queen on a few occasions, and regardless of varying views, she was remarkable in her commitment to the Commonwealth as a family of equal nations. Her graciousness was unparalleled. May she rest in peace.”