MONROVIA – The mortal remains of the deceased lawmaker from District #1, Grand Bassa County Representative Hans Barchue, were laid in state on Thursday in the rotunda of the capitol building. This ceremony marked the final tribute bestowed upon him for his dedicated service to his country during his time on Earth.
By Henry Karmo ([email protected])
Before his passing, Representative Barchue served as the Deputy Speaker and represented the Grand Bassa County Lawmaker for two terms, with aspirations for a third term before his untimely demise. He is believed to have succumbed to a prolonged illness. The late former Deputy Speaker passed away early on Tuesday at Europe Care Hospital in Monrovia after an extended period of illness. Barchue had served as Deputy Speaker from January 2012 to January 2018 during the 53rd Legislature.
He briefly assumed the role of Speaker following the removal of Speaker Alex J. Tyler from August to September 2016. Barchue secured his first election victory in 2011 and was re-elected in 2017. The casket containing the remains of the fallen lawmaker rested in the capitol rotunda for hours before being transported to Grand Bassa for the final funeral and wake-keeping ceremonies.
On June 1, 2020, Barchue joined the Liberty Party. However, for the 2023 election, he registered once again as an independent candidate. Tragically, shortly before the October 2023 election, Barchue passed away on July 18, 2023, at the Europe Care Hospital in Monrovia, after a prolonged illness. At the time of his demise, he held the position of Chairman of the Legislative Caucus of Grand Bassa County.
Return of Naathen’s Body to Liberia
In related news, the remains of the late Senator Daniel F. Naathen from Gbarpolu County have been repatriated to Liberia from India, where he met his unfortunate end. It has been reported that Senator Naathen passed away at a health center in India while undergoing a critical medical procedure.
The body of the late Gbarpolu County Senator, Daniel Flomo Naathen, was received by the Liberian Senate upon its arrival at the Roberts International Airport. It was subsequently handed over to the St. Moses Funeral Home for preservation, pending the arrangements for the funeral.
Senate Pro Tempore Albert Chie performed the ceremony on behalf of the Senate, as the body arrived from Delhi, Republic of India, via a Brussels Airlines flight. In a heartfelt moment, Pro Tempore Chie, with tears in his eyes, expressed the difficulty of parting with the remains of a colleague who had worked peacefully alongside them for years. He consoled the bereaved family, urging them to find solace in their faith and assured them that the Liberian Senate would collaborate to ensure a dignified farewell for their colleague.
This ceremony was witnessed by several members of the Legislature, representatives from the Alternative National Congress, members of the Catholic Church of Liberia, and the grieving family members.
