Laying Burnham to rest
SCRIPTURAL readings, the singing of hymns and an anthem as well as a sermon by a Methodist priest will form part of the, programme for the recommittal of the remains of the late President Forbes Burnham on Sunday in the Botanic Gardens.
The remains which were expected home from the Soviet Union in a glass capsule is now at the Seven Ponds Place of Heroes in the Botanic Gardens where it has already been viewed by the late President’s family, members of the Cabinet and other Government members, senior officials of the ruling People’s National Congress, special invitees and the diplomatic corps.
Today, members of the Disciplined Services, school children and teachers will be given the opportunity to view the remains.
Tomorrow, members of the public will be allowed at the committal site throughout the day from early morning.
The committal takes place on Sunday which also marks the 22nd anniversary of the People’s National Congresses’s accession to office in Guyana.
The ceremony will begin at 16:3 0 hrs. with the singing of the Song of the Republic.
Before President Desmond Hoyte makes a statement, leaders of the Hindu and Muslim religions will also read from the Bhagwat Gita and the Holy Quran respectively. After the President’s statement the last post will be sounded.
Prime Minister Hamilton Green in a briefing for newsmen this week on preparations for the committal ceremony said it was an occasion for solemn thanksgiving and appealed to the journalists to do their reporting in a spirit of reverence and avoid petty differences.
In reply to a question, at the briefing on the cost of the entire exercise, the Prime Minister replied that $3 1/2M has been budgeted but could not give a final figure.