Disappointed by the accommodation on Harris Promenade, San Fernando, for the viewing of the state funeral of Sir Ellis Clarke, some people believed it was the main reason for the poor turnout. Out of the handful of people who came out to view the funeral on a ten by ten big screen yesterday, several opted to stand in the shaded spots near the bandstand, rather than sit on chairs provided because of the sun. The San Fernando City Corporation had erected a tent on the side of the screen, but people said they would be unable to see from there.
Apart from eight-month-old Shemila Sahadeo, who was in her mother's arms, noticeably absent were young people, including schoolchildren. Annmarie County, victim support officer, complained: "They cannot expect people to sit in the sun to view Sir Ellis' funeral ceremony. You all only see a few people here because of that. I was coming here to see the ceremony but better I go home and watch it." Attorney Ainsley Lucky said: "It is a crying shame that San Fernandians have not been offered the comfort, facing inclement weather, to come to view this. There is neither a tarpaulin nor a tent protect people from the elements."
Hailing Sir Ellis as a great statesman, he suggested that they erect a statue in his honour. Calypsonian Peter "Wanderer" Herbert also took a few minutes to view the service. Oblivious to the historical event little Sahadeo kept a serious expression as her mother June Joseph viewed the ceremony for a few minutes. Pensioner Edmund Henry, 70, described Sir Ellis as a person with strong religious convictions. Employees from the corporation and courts also took time off work to view the ceremony.