KENSINGTON OVAL, the Caribbean’s cricket mecca, has seen many great spectacles in its century-old existence, but nothing as sombre yet regal as the transformation done for yesterday’s state funeral of Prime Minister David Thompson.
The hallowed square where some of the world’s greatest cricketers showcased their athletic prowess was carefully covered, and in its place there were two large tents with a near 80-foot stage between them. These tents, adorned with ten separate floral bouquets to the front, accommodated between them the specially invited guests, family, and the Combermere and St Gabriel’s School choirs.
On the four-tiered stage hosted the celebrated Royal Barbados Police Force Band, the main choir, the officiating ministers, eulogists and other officials.
Two black carpets – one leading from the car park right across the ground to the Coppin, Cozier & Short Media Centre on the opposite side of the ground, and the other from the Garfield Sobers Pavilion – crossed the immaculately manicured grounds.
Both were lined on either side by large potted palms. The former was used primarily by dignitaries, diplomats, parliamentarians and family members, and was travelled by the gun carriage to deliver the National Flag-draped casket bearing Thompson’s body.
The stands were not packed to capacity as expected. There was plenty of room at the lower levels of The 3Ws, Hall & Griffith, and Hewitt & Inniss stands. Their empty alternating aquamarine and gold seats making the vacant space easy to spot.
In terms of dress, mourners were smartly attired as they turned out to pay their respects.
Many women wore well-tailored black dresses minimally accessorised with jewellery, with accompanying small bags.
Those not in dresses wore skirt suits or pants suits and there were a few business suits. Not many “back-out” styles or fashions with “spaghetti strings” were seen.
The other main colour worn by females was white, followed by a combination of both colours.
One notable missing feature from the females’ attire that’s normally seen at funerals is hats. Instead, most women were bare-headed though displaying well designed natural styles, weaves and locks.
Many men were dressed in black, dark blue, and pinstriped suits. Several though wore simply shirt and ties – and one tie that stood out was Combermere’s. (SP)
