BASSETERRE: Yesterday, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis came together in a solemn yet stirring tribute to honor the life and legacy of His Excellency Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence, KCMG, GCMG, OBE, CSM, J.P., the nation’s third Governor-General. The State Funeral, held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, was a poignant moment of reflection, celebration, and gratitude for a man whose contributions shaped the economic and social fabric of the nation.
The day began with a Lying-in-State ceremony at Government House, Springfield, where from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., hundreds of residents, dignitaries, and visitors filed past Sir Edmund’s casket to pay their final respects. The atmosphere was one of quiet reverence, with many visibly moved as they reflected on his monumental contributions to the nation.
At noon, a hearse carrying Sir Edmund’s body made its final journey through the streets of Basseterre, pausing briefly outside the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Head Office, an institution he founded and nurtured as its first General Manager. The moment was deeply symbolic, as veteran banker and National Bank Board member, alongside CEO Anthony Galloway, delivered heartfelt tributes. Galloway spoke of Sir Edmund’s visionary leadership, noting, “This institution stands as a testament to his foresight and unwavering commitment to our nation’s prosperity.” The brief ceremony, broadcast live by the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS), captured the gratitude of a nation for a man who laid the foundation for its financial sector.
The State Funeral Service commenced at 1:00 p.m. at the Wesley Methodist Church on Seaton Street, Basseterre, a fitting venue for a man of deep faith. The service was officiated by a distinguished group of ministers, including Rev. Derek C. Browne, Superintendent Minister of the St. Kitts Circuit of the Methodist Church, alongside Rev. Aulrick C. Greenaway, Rev. Mark Christmas, Rev. Eric Alexander, and Rev. Celina Walton-Charles. Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence, Sir Edmund’s daughter, served as the organist, her music filling the church with a sense of solemnity and grace.
Tributes poured in from various sectors of society, reflecting the breadth of Sir Edmund’s impact. Representatives from the National Bank Group of Companies lauded his pioneering role in establishing the institution, while Mr. Rawlinson Isaac shared personal anecdotes of Sir Edmund’s mentorship. The Wesley Methodist Church, St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, and Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance M. Drew also offered moving tributes, each highlighting his integrity, wisdom, and dedication to public service. Prime Minister Drew remarked, “Sir Edmund’s life was a beacon of service, guiding us toward a stronger, more united St. Kitts and Nevis.”
The eulogy, delivered by Sophia and Louisa Lawrence, painted a vivid picture of a loving father, husband, and patriot whose humility and kindness touched countless lives. Their words brought both tears and smiles to the congregation, as they shared intimate memories of a man who balanced his public duties with unwavering devotion to his family.
The service was attended by a distinguished gathering, led by Sir Edmund’s widow, Mrs. Hulda Lawrence, alongside Governor-General Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, Prime Minister Drew and his wife, Mrs. Diana Drew, members of the Cabinet, and representatives from numerous organizations. The public, too, turned out in large numbers, filling the church and spilling onto the surrounding streets, a testament to Sir Edmund’s widespread admiration.
Following the service, a procession made its way to Springfield Cemetery, where Sir Edmund was laid to rest with full military honors. The resounding 21-gun salute echoed through the capital, a powerful tribute to a man who served as Governor-General from 2013 to 2015 and left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Flags across the federation, flown at half-mast in his honor, served as a visual reminder of his vast contributions.
As the sun set on Basseterre, the mood was one of gratitude and reflection. Sir Edmund Lawrence’s legacy—as a financial pioneer, a devoted public servant, and a beloved figure—will continue to inspire generations. His life’s work, from the establishment of the National Bank to his principled leadership as Governor-General, remains a cornerstone of St. Kitts and Nevis’ progress.
The nation now moves forward, carrying forward the values of integrity, service, and vision that Sir Edmund so exemplified. As donations collected during the service support the Wesley Methodist Church’s 200th Anniversary, his commitment to community endures even beyond his passing.