The state funeral for former St Lucian Prime Minister Sir John Compton will take place today. The government has declared the day a public holiday and thousands were lining the streets of the capital to say their final goodbyes. Although Sir John was an Anglican, his funeral was scheduled for the Roman Catholic Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception to accommodate the anticipated crowds. A television screen was also set up in a square outside the cathedral to broadcast the ceremony. Several present and former Caribbean leaders are expected to attend. A private family burial service was planned to follow the state funeral. Election Victory Sir John died on 7 September after a four month illness at the age of 82. He led the country into independence in 1979, during more than three decades in office. The latest stint began last December when he came out of retirement to lead the United Workers Party to victory in general elections. Trees and buildings across the island have been decorated with bunting in the national colours of yellow, blue and black in tribute to Sir John. Reprinted from bbccaribbean.com