Grenada Today - The National Newspaper of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique

Hundreds of mourners turned out at the Grenville R.C. Church Tuesday to bid farewell to former Prime Minister Ben Jones who died on February 10 at his home in Carriere, St. Andrew's.

Jones, who was known by many as "Uncle Ben" was a Barrister at-Law and Farmer and this country's fourth Prime Minister. In his tribute at the State Funeral, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell referred to "Uncle Ben", as "a friend to all and a mentor to many".

Dr. Mitchell pointed out that since Jones entered the political arena in 1967, his wisdom and experience influenced the careers of many parliamentarians, no matter what political affiliation they may have had. "He (Jones) certainly left a lasting impression on all during his entire public life and later", the Prime Minister remarked.

Dr. Mitchell spoke of the former Barrister-at -Law as one who exercised a level of dignity and integrity that is not easily surpassed. According to Dr Mitchell, the former Prime Minister understood clearly that there would be differences among people and though he may not have agreed with certain sentiments, he did not allow these to dictate his feelings. "He preferred negotiations and solutions to confrontation", added Prime Minister Mitchell.

In extending condolences to family members and close friends of the late Ben Jones, on behalf of the Government and people of Grenada, Dr Mitchell said the entire Nation bids farewell to a son of the soil who lived his life with dignity and understanding.

Pearl Jones, daughter of the deceased recalled that her father stood for humility and honesty - conditions he had instilled in his children. She said that although he rose to prominence in the society he never forgot his humble beginnings. Roman Catholic Priest Father Leroy Hopkin in delivering the homily spoke of voting for Jones on more than one occasions during his stint in politics.

He spoke of the country losing another distinguished statesman that will be very hard to replace. Condolence messages were received from Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadians, Jamaica, Colombia, the Netherlands, Japan and the European Union.

The High Commissioner of Jamaica to Grenada, Lorne Mc Donnough, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Clayton Burgin and Counsellor from the Canadian High Commission in Barbados Fred Jacques represented their respective countries at the State funeral.

Resident diplomats in attendance included Ambassador Edna Figeura Cedeno of Venezuela, Ambassador Humberto Rivero of Cuba, British Resident Commissioner Vic Wallis, Charge d' Affaires of the United States of America, Wayne Logsdon and Linda Grant, representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands.