Toots Hibbert Being Buried At The National Heroes Park After Divine Intervention
A turn of events took place on Saturday as it was announced by the Minister of Culture, Gender and Entertainment that the legendary Toots Hibbert will finally be laid to rest at the National Heroes Park.
Previously it was said by the Minister, that there were no further spaces available in the park to facilitate any other burials except for Prime Ministers however there was a spark of luck for the family of Toots because a space became available.
This happened because there was one spot left in the section for cultural icons that were supposed to be filled by the remains of the late actor, author and director, Charles Hyatt, who passed away in 2007, however, the family of the icon decided that they would make Toots have the location.
At the time of Hyatt’s passing, his family requested for him to be laid to rest at the park however they were told that the spaces have been filled.
It was later discovered by the Government that there was one remaining spot, and it was decided that the actor’s remains would be transferred from the Meadowrest memorial park in St. Catherine to the new location, which had since not been done.
After speaking with the family of Hyatt, Minister Grange said they agreed to give Toots the spot in the park. She also said that Prime Minister Andrew Holness had agreed to the move.
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The Minister was grateful for the deed done by Hyatt’s family, and mentioned that Hibbert was a pioneer of reggae who contributed much to the genre including the name which makes the place of burial suitable for the icon.
She also said the move will bring unity amongst the singer’s family members.
The Minister also made it known that a monument will be built in the hometown of Hibbert to celebrate his life.
She further commented that it has been some time now since the Government has been considering a Memorial Park for cultural icons and that works are being put in to construct the site, where she promises that Charles Hyatt’s remains will be transferred to.
Fredrick Toots Hibbert passed away from Covid-19 complications on September 11th of this year and was going to be recently buried at Dovecot however according to his daughter Jenieve Bailey, divine intervention did not allow it.
Hibbert was given a private church service on Thursday October 15th at the Chapel at Perry’s funeral home located on the outskirts of Spanish Town however, there was a bump in the funeral procession as the burial order was not signed so the icon had to go back on ice.
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