Some things are not for sale, or at least they ought not to be in a society that subscribes to values that transcend the material.
We are, to put it mildly, dismayed at the news that the body of William "Willie Haggart" Moore is to lie in state at the National Arena after the arrangers of his funeral reportedly paid $120,000 for the privilege.
Lying-in-state at the National Arena is an honour that a grateful nation bestows as a fitting final bequest on its sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves. Those who have been so honoured in recent times have included politicians, The Rt. Hon. Michael Manley, and Madame Rose Leon; entertainers, Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, Cynthia Schloss; and sports personalities, the most recent being Steve "Shorty" Malcolm of the Reggae Boyz.
We are not aware of Mr. Moore's accomplishments or achievements and have little to go on beyond the comments of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Omar Davies, that he was a benefactor of the Arnett Gardens Community. And that, as the Minister put it in a radio interview, Mr. Moore's "Black Roses Corner" in Arnett Gardens was a social gathering place somewhat akin to the Liguanea Club. The popular belief, not to put too fine a point on it, is that Mr. Moore was a don.
These achievements, such as they are, cannot possibly give Mr. Moore the distinction of lying-in-state at the National Arena. To circumvent that, those who are in charge of his funeral arrangements have decided to purchase the honour. It ought not to be for sale.
We do not believe that in a similar circumstance any amount of money, not $120,000, nor $120,000,000 could purchase a lying-in-state under the Rotunda of the Capitol in Washington or for that matter burial in Westminster Abbey.
A society that debases everything will soon find that it has nothing of value.
Outside the National Arena the reported extravagance of other aspects of the funeral may be excusable on the grounds of private taste. But it is remarkable that such resources are available in a depressed community.
The inner city, after all, has in recent times become the target of appeals for both public and private sector largesse.
