All arrangements are in place for the funeral of Dame Marie Selipha 'Sesenne' Descartes, National Cultural Hero, on Saturday August 28th 2010. The service to celebrate the life and achievement of Dame Sesenne Descartes, the famed folk singer and Queen of Culture, will be held at the St. Lucy's Roman Catholic Church, Micoud, from 1 pm. The programme will include public tributes by Government officials, cultural groups, cultural institutions and family members. Among those expected to pay tribute to Sesenne is Nobel laureate Hon. Derek Walcott who will read his poem 'Homecoming' which praises Sesenne. The eulogy will be delivered by long-time friend of Mme Descartes, Mrs Armelle Mathurin. Msgr Patrick Anthony, founding director of the FRC and a close friend of Dame Sesenne will be the celebrant at the mass which follows.

The burial of Dame Sesenne, who was declared a National Cultural Hero by the FRC in 2005, will take place in the grounds of her residence at La Pointe, Mon Repos. Her house, donated to her by the Government, will be converted into a cultural museum and folk arts centre.

Planning for the official funeral of the St. Lucian icon has been undertaken by a government-appointed committee headed by Mr. Gaspard Charlemagne, Minister responsible for culture. St. Lucians from every strata of society are expected to converge on Micoud to say farewell to the beloved chantwelle.