Cabinet has approved an official funeral for former Member of Parliament and minister Eustace “Teco” Lake in recognition of his service to Antigua and Barbuda.

Lake, who died on February 20 after a period of illness, represented the St. John’s Rural South constituency in the House of Representatives and served as Minister of Public Works and Housing during his time in government.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Cabinet agreed that Lake should be accorded an official funeral to honour his contribution to national development and public service.

“The cabinet also formally agreed to an official funeral for the late Honourable Eustace Sylvester Teco Lake in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation of Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said during the Cabinet briefing.

Lake was elected to Parliament in 2009 and again in 2014, representing the Antigua Labour Party in St. John’s Rural South.

“Mr. Lake represented the constituency in the House of Representatives after successful elections in 2009 and again in 2014,” Merchant said.

During his tenure in government, Lake served as Minister of Public Works and Housing, where he played a role in infrastructure development and public works initiatives across the country.

Merchant said the arrangements for the official funeral will be coordinated by the Ministry of Social Transformation.

“Further details regarding the funeral arrangements will be announced in due course by the Ministry of Social Transformation, which is charged with planning official funerals,” he said.