FORMER Senator Mizpah Tertullien is to be given a state-recognised funeral next week, the Cabinet Office has announced. The funeral will be held on Friday May 29 at 10am at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, West Street, Nassau.

Mrs Tertullien was former Progressive Liberal Party Senator and popular psychologist and commentator. Prime Minister Perry Christie paid tribute to her last week as “an outstanding lady who performed creditably in a variety of important spheres of national life” who had endured a lengthy illness with grace and dignity.

“Although she had not been a part of public life for many years, Mrs Tertullien will be remembered for her engaging personality, erudition, eloquence and patriotism,” the Prime Minister said in a statement. “She was a respected commentator on a wide range of matters affecting the social and mental health of our nation. She was well positioned to do so based on her training and practice as a psychologist and family counsellor.

“The PLP family will recall Mrs Tertullien with special affection. She was an active and vocal participant in the affairs of the party over many long years, particularly at National General Council meetings and at annual National Conventions. In addition, Mrs Tertullien showed remarkable courage in standing for election as the Party’s standard bearer in what was then the practically unwinnable Shirlea constituency. Although unsuccessful in these forays into the electoral arena, Mrs Tertullien nonetheless impressed friends and foes alike with her tenacity and ability to speak to the issues with both intellectual power and passion.

“As a Senator, Mrs Terullien was always well prepared for debate, thoroughly researching the matters before her and always addressing the Senate in a way that was both relevant and interesting. Although she was a woman of very firm and definite views she always accorded respect to those who espoused contrary views. In doing so she set a fine example of parliamentary decorum and collegiality.”

Mrs Tertullien will lie-in-state on Thursday May 28 in the foyer of the Senate, Parliament Square, from 9am until the body departs for the church on Friday. Viewing for the public will be from noon to 6pm.