The Ministry of Culture and Community Development has responded to comments concerning the date of the State-Assisted Funeral and Celebration of Life for the late Mighty Sparrow.
The Ministry of Culture and Community Development in a media release, says the date was jointly selected with the Francisco family to facilitate relatives and invited guests travelling from across the Caribbean and internationally, including regional leaders and cultural practitioners.
The Ministry says neither the parliamentary calendar nor the commitments of any Member of Parliament influenced the decision.
The release also notes that October is recognised as Calypso History Month since 2002.
Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, is calling on political representatives to keep partisan considerations separate from the national farewell.
The public is invited to pay their respects during the lying in repose at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts on October 13th, and the National Academy for the Performing Arts on October 14th, both from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Celebration of Life takes place at NAPA on October 16th, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.