BASSETERRE — St. Kitts and Nevis laid to rest former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger on Thursday, with an Official Funeral held at Wesley Methodist Church following a period of lying-in-state at Government Headquarters, as the Federation honored a man remembered for decades of public service.
Members of the public filed through Government Headquarters between 9 a.m. and noon to view Mr. Heyliger and sign an official condolence book, before viewing and tributes began at 1 p.m. at the church on Seaton Street. The formal funeral service followed at 2 p.m. Government offices closed early, at 2 p.m., to allow public servants and citizens the opportunity to attend, with normal operations set to resume Friday.
The Government had earlier announced that Mr. Heyliger would receive an Official Funeral, a state-assisted honor reserved for individuals of profound national significance, including current and former Premiers, ministers, parliamentarians and others who have made major contributions to the Federation’s development.
Mr. Heyliger, a native of Sandy Point, died at his home at age 80. A trained economist and educator, he served as Director of the Government Planning Unit from 1980 to 1984 and as Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and Development beginning in 1989. In November 1994, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education. Following the 1995 general elections, he served as Leader of the Opposition until 2000.
Beyond politics, Mr. Heyliger served as Director of Institutional Development at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College and was a Lay Pastor in the Methodist Church, where his sermons were known for challenging listeners to pursue a higher purpose.
In recognition of his legacy, the Government observed a three-day period of national mourning from Tuesday, July 7, through Thursday, July 9, with flags on government buildings and official residences flown at half-mast across the Federation.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis extended its deepest condolences to the Heyliger family, describing him as a distinguished son of the soil who dedicated his life to the service and development of the Federation.