Daraine Luton, Staff Reporter
AS
JAMAICA fights desperately to hold back tears for a cultural legend, preparations
for Miss Lou's final journey are on in earnest.
Undertakers have already marked out the spot where her body will be interred. Miss Lou's final resting place will be National Heroes Park, a place reserved
for iconic figures who have contributed immensely to the social, political or cultural development of Jamaica.
Clearly demarcated out with gold spray paint on a National Heroes Park lawn that has become parched from the overhead sun, Miss Lou's grave will be in the north-west section of the park. But unlike those she will be rubbing shoulders with, Miss Lou will not have any shade over her grave as the spot identified is in the open.
Position
The grave will be to the right of politician Kenneth Hill. Miss Lou will be one lot away from intuitive artist Mallica 'Kapo' Reynolds. When interred, she will not only have the opportunity to 'talk' with the National Heroes buried in the park, but she can 'labrish' about 'the good ole days' with Ronnie Williams (Maas Ron) and Aggie Bernard, while Dennis Brown 'sings' reggae music in the background.
Louise Bennett-Coverley, who celebrated Jamaican culture and elevated Patois to high literature, will be buried alongside her predeceased husband, Eric 'Chalk Talk' Coverley. Mr. Coverley was buried in Canada, but the Jamaican Government is making arrangements to bring his body home.
Meanwhile, condolence books were opened yesterday at the offices of the Ministry of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture and the Institute of Jamaica. Books will be opened between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. today at the Office of the Prime Minister, Montego Bay office, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign trade.
