CASTRIES, St. Lucia (CMC):

The body of former Prime Minister Sir John Compton will be cremated following a state funeral at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in the capital next Tuesday, a government spokesman has confirmed.

The spokesman said the funeral, which was previously set for September 22, had been advanced at the request of Lady Compton and her family. Full details would be disclosed during a news conference later this week.

The Caribbean Media Corporation has been told that the day will be declared a national holiday. Special measures are being put in place to accommodate the thousands of local and foreign dignitaries as well as ordinary citizens who are expected to attend the funeral.

The spokesman said that special consideration would be given to the residents of Micoud North, the constituency which Sir John represented at the time of his death.