STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED BURIAL SITE FOR DR. GUY SCOTT

STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED BURIAL SITE FOR DR. GUY SCOTT

By Dr Charles Sinkala

I have noted with concern calls by certain content creators and individuals suggesting that our former Acting President, Dr. Guy Scott, should be buried in the grave already earmarked for the late Sixth Republican President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu at Embassy Park.

I wish to state, without equivocation, that this proposal is a violation of the dignity of Dr. Scott, of President Lungu, and of their respective families.

Both men served this nation. Both deserve to be honored according to the protocols, traditions, and respect due to former Heads of State. To politicize their final resting places and turn burial into drama is an affront to their memory and to the values of the Republic we all claim to love.

Embassy Park is large enough to accommodate the dignified burial of another former Head of State. There is no shortage of space that would justify such a proposal.

The site earmarked for President ECL has historic significance. It was designated with the intention of creating a monument to the Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia. That site should be preserved for that purpose and not be dragged into political contestation.

Dr. Guy Scott’s legacy stands on its own. He was born in Zambia, served Zambia, and remained in Zambia when it was not fashionable to do so. He deserves his own place of honor, not to be placed in the middle of political arguments.

At this moment of national mourning, we must rise above pettiness. The passing of Dr. Scott calls for reflection, unity, and decorum — not for social media stunts or attempts to inflame tensions.

I therefore call upon Government and relevant authorities to expedite, with dignity, the allocation of an appropriate site within Embassy Park for Dr. Guy Scott, in line with State Funeral protocols.

Politicians, media, and content creators to refrain from polluting this solemn period with divisive rhetoric. The dead cannot defend themselves. It is our duty to defend their dignity.

All Zambians to allow both families space to grieve and to allow the nation time for the dust to settle and for peace to prevail.

Zambia is bigger than any individual. Our democracy is measured not just in elections, but in how we treat each other in life and in death.

Let us bury Dr. Guy Scott with the respect he earned.

Let us preserve the ECL memorial site for its intended historic purpose.
And let us give our country the peace it deserves.

May Dr. Guy Scott’s soul rest in eternal peace.