BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – UNDER a slightly overcast sky, the body of the late Sir Probyn Inniss MBE was laid to rest at the Springfield Cemetery, following an hours-long service which highlighted memories he shared with the ones he loved.
Sir Probyn – former Governor of St. Kitts and Nevis – died on March 12, 2017 while at the Joseph N. France General Hospital.
He was 80 years old.
He was accorded a state funeral and during yesterday’s (Mar. 23) morning hours, his body was made to lie in state at Government House, Camp Springfield, where individuals were allowed to visit the area and sign a book of condolences.
Held at the Wesley Methodist Church, the funeral service proceeded before a packed sanctuary which included friends and family members, dignitaries, legal luminaries and Members of Parliament.
A number of tributes were given in memory of Sir Probyn, all of which described him as a principled man, a man of virtue and moral values, one of respect, a family man and one who loved his country.
Eulogising Sir Probyn was his son, Probyn Inniss Jr., who listed the traits for which his father was known.
“I am proud to say that my dad lived a life that was focussed on love, integrity and public service. The best words that I can use to encapsulate my father’s life are integrity, humility, honesty, respectfulness, he was altruistic, dedicated and principled.
“He was a man who came from very humble beginnings but allowed no obstacle to stand in his path. He used his God-given talents to rise to the highest heights of the social and political echelons of these islands. And though he walked with queens, princesses, princes and heads of state, he remained grounded, always remembering who he was and from whence he came.”
Led by members of the armed and unarmed forces of the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis, Sir Probyn’s flag-draped casket was ushered from the church to Springfield Cemetery where a gun salute was given.
Sir Probyn Ellsworth Inniss is survived by his wife Lady Rosamund Inniss; children Angela Inniss-Hodge, Marcia Hodge and Probyn Inniss Jr.; daughter-in-law Charrice Inniss and son-in-law Dr. Macmilla Hodge among others.
Born in 1936, Sir Probyn functioned as the Governor of Associated State of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla from 1975 to 1980 and continued in that office after Anguilla had separated. He vacated that office in 1981.
A lawyer by profession, Sir Probyn authored a number of books, including Historic Basseterre, The Birth of the Labour Movement and Memorable Quotations.
Sir Probyn and Lady Rosamund were married for more than a half century.
The Management and Staff of SKNVibes take this opportunity to extend condolences to the family and friends of Sir Probyn.
