Hundreds of people from all walks of life joined in mourning and expressing solidarity with members of the Royal Anguilla Police Service as the officers laid to rest their colleague, the late Sergeant Eric Saunders, on Saturday, November 25, with full military honours.

The late Eric Saunders

The 40-year-old senior policeman died on November 12 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he was receiving medical treatment. Ailing for some years, he continued his service in the Force with much admiration and courage.

Scene at the funeral

In addition to being a friendly and dedicated police officer, he was a popular calypsonian, carrying the stage name “Lord Anything.” His social commentary and tunes both enlightened and amused his listeners thus earning for him many fans and supporters in the entertainment field.

Scene at the funeral

The farewell for the fallen officer began the day before (Friday November 24). At that time a hushed silence fell over police headquarters where colleagues, relatives and members of the public filed past his body as it lay in the casket in the bedecked training room.

Scene at the funeral

It was from there that the spectacular procession made its way to St. Mary’s Anglican Church for the funeral the next day. Members of the Police Force in St. Kitts where Saunders began his service as well as others from Antigua were among the throng.

In his sermon, Bishop Brooks sought to comfort the bereaved, assuring them that “life does not end at the grave” for the faithful. He exhorted the congregation “to live with the end in mind” He went on: “Eric’s death is a reminder to us that…we are actors on the stage of life. We make our presentations and move on. Eric has done that and the same will be true for all of us.”

Scene at the funeral

The Formal Remembrance was delivered by Commissioner Keithly Benjamin who praised the late Sergeant for being a team player in the Force and having won the admiration of his colleagues. He spoke of Saunders as having been an ardent stage performer and social commentator, using the art form of calypso to highlight topical issues without fear. “He came from humble beginnings and rose to be a giant in his own right,” Mr. Benjamin added.

Minister of Social Development, Evans Rogers, delivered the eulogy in which he traced the earlier and later life and service of the police officer and his family background. He spent much time on Saunders’ singing performances. “The fact that he was a policeman did not deter him from highlighting some of the social ills though song that we experience in Anguilla,” Mr Rogers stated. “Though he was one of the best calypsonians in my opinion, the crown evaded him on many occasions. However, despite his belief and that of others about the judging, he never stopped singing.”
Following the conclusion of the funeral service the military parade proceeded to the grave site in the church yard cemetery. There an armed unit fired three volleys in a final salute to the departed police officer.

Scene at the funeral

A number of persons commented on the fine display and the high level of the parade. Acknowledging the compliment, Sergeant Chrispen Gumbs replied: “Yes, it was good but it is happening too often.” He was referring to a similar military funeral accorded to Constable Gerald Bardouille who died when the police jeep in which he was travelling collided with the Court House in April this year.

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