Communication by Fred Mitchell MP Fox Hill Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Public Service On the State Funeral for Sir Sidney Poitier KBE

Nassau, Bahamas

For Immediate Release

18 May 2022

“It is my honour to announce in cooperation with the family of the late Sir Sidney Poitier that a state recognized memorial service will be held at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Nassau on Sunday 19 June 2022 at 2 p. m. Archbishop Patrick Pinder will celebrate the mass.

Formal invitations will be sent out shortly.

There will be a cultural show in tribute and memorial to the late Bahamian actor, producer, writer, diplomat and civil rights leader on Saturday 18th June 2022 at the Atlantis Convention Centre beginning at 7 pm. A reception will follow.

Officers of the state are to attend each of these events including the Cabinet, Senators and Members of Parliament and public officials in addition to the diplomatic corps and the public. Invitations will be dispatched shortly.

The dress on each occasion will be: lounge suit, guayaberas, national dress, military uniforms, medals and decorations.

The events will be hosted by the Prime Minister Philip Davis and Mrs. Davis with the Poitier family, in the presence of the Governor General Sir Cornelius Smith O N GCMG and Lady Smith.

Both events will be live streamed on social media and broadcast on television.

Thank you Madam Speaker.”

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