Various People's Partnership Government officials are expected to attend the funeral of late former PNM MP Ken Valley on Thursday.And PNM leader Keith Rowley is expected to speak at the funeral service, PNM deputy leader Marlene McDonald said yesterday.Valley, who had served as a PNM deputy leader, died last Friday, after a battle with colon cancer.The funeral service will take place from 1.30 pm at St Finbar's RC Church in Westmoorings. The body will be cremated in a private service, after the church proceedings.Valley's funeral will take place at around the time the weekly Cabinet meeting is usually held.A senior government official said some People's Partnership representation would be made on behalf of the ruling party to pay its respects.
Government House leader Roodal Moonilal, who also noted that Cabinet would be sitting on Thursday, is expected to say what sort of representation would be made at the funeral.Moonilal holds the same position Valley had held when the Manning administration was in office.Meanwhile, McDonald said the PNM had assisted the Valley's family in planning the funeral service.PNM deputy leader Joan Yuille-Williams, general secretary Ashton Ford and chairman Franklin Khan visited the family over the weekend to lend assistance and help plan funeral details.McDonald said Rowley was expected to speak at Thursday's service. Rowley returns from London tomorrow.Last night, Valley's former Diego Martin Central constituency held a prayer vigil at the constituency office Valley had used for over ten years.
Former PNM PRO Jerry Narace, paying tribute, said Valley was a highly principled individual who possessed sterling values:
"He was humble, a true patriot and indeed a man of impeccable integrity...he was considered a bedrock among his peers-Ken could always be counted upon on every occasion."