Monrovia – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has led an array of Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials to sign the Book of Condolence for fallen Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Dr. Edward B. McClain, Jr.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the sombre ceremony took place on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 in the Foyer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Consistent with protocol, the signing of the Book of Condolence by President Sirleaf and Cabinet was followed by the Vice President, Joseph N. Boakai and Members of the Senate, the Lower House and the Supreme Court Bench. Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, heads of international organizations, as well as other sympathizers were present to sign the Book of Condolence.
The Signing of the Book of Condolence continues Thursday and Friday respectively with former officials of government, religious leaders, heads of Public corporations, autonomous agencies, Ministry of State family, heads of political parties, heads of civil society, and business houses among others.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, August 20, 2016, at 4:00P.M., the remains of Dr. Edward B. McClain will be conveyed under appropriate escort from the Samuel A. Stryker Funeral Service and taken to the Ministry of State for an hour of viewing and thereafter taken to the Providence Baptist Church for wake-keeping and funeral rites scheduled for Monday, August 22, 2016 at 10:00A.M.
Dr. Edward B. McClain died on Saturday, July 23, 2016, at the Wilgers Life Hospital in Lynwood, Pretoria, South Africa, following a period of illness.