JOF laid to rest
“A FLOWER has fallen” was the tagline used by Methodist Minister, Reverend Cecil Weekes, in his tribute to the late Joseph Oscar Fitz-Clarence Haynes, while Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Keith Massiah in his eulogy described the Guyanese lawyer as a latter-day Gamaliel and a legend.
The funeral service for Mr. Haynes, who was familiarly known as J.O.F. took place at Trinity Methodist Church on Monday afternoon, attended by President Desmond Hoyte, Prime Minister Hamilton Green, Vice-President Viola Burnham, Presidential Adviser Dr. Ptolemy Reid, former President Arthur Chung, and former Attorney General, Dr. Mohammed Shahabuddeen.
Scores of members of the legal profession, representing both the Bench and Bar were also present.
Mr. Massiah gave highlights of Mr. Haynes’ outstanding career adding that he had achieved greatness through hard work, was a man who bore no grudges and a man of peace and one who had no time for shallow friendships.
Reverend Weekes in his tribute regretted he did not have the opportunity of meeting the late Mr. Haynes.
The Methodist priest said a nation’s prosperity is tied up with a disciplined work-force which must be found in all aspects of community life.
He laid special emphasis on the performance of the Police and the Military. “Indisciplined elements should be expelled from the ranks, if this is not done they would lose the respect and confidence of the people,” the Minister added.
The Methodist priest spoke about corruption in the society at all levels, adding that if this is not nipped in the bud, the entire nation would be destroyed.
In a reference to what Rev. Weekes called the late lawyer’s ‘humaneness, the Methodist priest said this is vital to the life of any nation.
Rev. Weekes said if the people could sense that those in responsible office, care, they will be prepared to work hard and contribute to the task of nation building.
Among the pallbearers were President Hoyte, Prime Minister Hamilton Green, Chancellor of of the Judiciary, Kenneth George, Chief Justice Rudolph Harper, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. George Walcott and Mr. Karl Hudson-Phillips, former Trinidad and Tobago Attorney General.