PRESIDENT HICHILEMA ACCORDS DR GUY SCOTT A STATE FUNERAL

 

President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded former Vice-President Dr Guy Scott a State funeral in recognition of his distinguished service to Zambia.

Dr Scott, who served as Republican Vice-President from 2011 to 2014, died on Wednesday at the age of 82 at his farm in Lusaka’s Leopards Hill area following an illness.

He also served as Acting President from October 2014 to January 2015, guiding the country through the constitutional transition that followed the death of President Michael Sata.

In a message of condolence, President Hichilema described Dr Scott as a true Zambian patriot whose life was defined by decades of dedicated public service.

The President said Dr Scott’s life demonstrated that Zambia belongs to all who call it home and that every opportunity to serve the nation should be valued.

“Dr Scott gave many years of his life to public service. He served as Vice-President of our Republic and stepped in to lead following the death of President Michael Sata in 2014, guiding Zambia through that transition with a steady hand and a commitment to constitutional order,” President Hichilema said.

The President also recalled Dr Scott’s earlier contribution to national development as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries under the administration of Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba.

He said Dr Scott’s work in the agriculture sector represented another important chapter in his long record of service to the country.

President Hichilema extended heartfelt condolences to Dr Scott’s widow, Charlotte Scott, his children and the entire family, saying the decision to accord him a State funeral reflected the nation’s appreciation of his contribution to Zambia.

“At my direction, we have accorded the late former Vice-President a State funeral in recognition of his service to our nation. May God console the family and grant them strength during this time of grief, and may the soul of Dr Guy Scott rest in eternal peace,” he said.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa said details of the State funeral programme would be announced in due course.

Mr Kangwa said the honour had been accorded to Dr Scott in recognition of his distinguished professional and political contribution to the country, including his service as Vice-President, Acting President and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.

Former Vice-President Dr Nevers Mumba called on Zambians to use Dr Scott’s passing as a moment to promote national unity rather than political division.

Dr Mumba said the former Vice-President had served Zambia with distinction, dedication and patriotism and deserved to be remembered with dignity, respect and gratitude.

Chikondi Foundation president Bishop John Mambo also paid tribute to Dr Scott, describing him as a gallant leader who served the country with integrity.

Bishop Mambo recalled Dr Scott’s leadership during the transition following President Sata’s death, as well as his tenure as Agriculture Minister, and urged Zambians to honour his legacy by giving him a dignified farewell.

Meanwhile, Scott family spokesperson Anthony Kasolo thanked the Government for taking responsibility for the funeral arrangements and for the support extended to the family during its period of mourning.