BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - IT was an atmosphere where words painted vivid pictures of memories shared with and cherished by the late Sir Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian GCMG, OBE, MD, ED, KSTJ, whose funeral service was held yesterday (Apr. 10) at the St. George’s Anglican Church.
The day began with his procession making its way through the compound of the Joseph N. France General Hospital with workers there lining the street with extended hands, mimicking arches, while the procession passed by.
And after lying in state during that morning, Sir Cuthbert’s body, carried in a St. Christopher and Nevis flag-draped casket, was taken to the church, but not before the procession made a brief pause in front of his Cayon Street home.
Dignitaries, including Governors General from across the region, local parliamentarians, and other members of the public, filled the sanctuary to be part of the funeral service of this renowned son of the soil.
Sir Cuthbert, who served the Federation in various capacities including Governor General, was remembered by the nursing community as a man of excellence, as a selfless man by the Rotarian community, a statesman and high-achiever by Opposition Leader and former Prime Minister Dr. the Hon Denzil Douglas, and a multi-faceted man by the Prime Minister of the Federation Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris.
Eulogized by his daughter Ermelin Sebastian-Duggins, the congregation heard of the character of the man who touched so many during his lifetime and the legacy he has left behind.
She said, among his commitments and beliefs, Sir Cuthbert was dedicated to serving his God, to serving his fellowmen and to serving his beloved St. Kitts and Nevis.
And he gave an impressive 77 years of active service to the Federation beginning from Pupil Student to holding the highest office in the land, Governor General up until January 2013.
Hundreds lined Cayon Street as the funeral procession worked its way to Springfield Cemetery.
Led by the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Band, Sir Cuthbert’s coffin, on which his ceremonial headdress and sword were placed, was carted to the cemetery where it was hoisted onto the shoulders of the pall bearers and taken to its final resting place.
While his casket was being lowered into the grave, a gun salute was given.
Sir Cuthbert, the doctor, father, uncle, friend and brother, would have celebrated his 96th birthday in October of this year.
