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New Burial Practices Delay Opening of Cemetery on Sir George Walter Highway
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Antigua and Barbuda’s government has announced that the planned opening of the new cemetery on the Sir George Walter Highway has been delayed due to the implementation of newly procured “formalised and discreet” burial methods.
Director-General Maurice Merchant explained during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing that the approach differs significantly from traditional methods.
He said the intention is to move away from the typical “huge backhoe” burial style, replacing it with a more dignified and controlled process.
“It will not be in the fashion that you are accustomed to… it will be more formalised and more discreet,” Merchant told journalists, explaining that this shift required the procurement of specialised equipment.
As a result of delays in obtaining the necessary machinery, the cemetery’s June 16 opening deadline was missed. Nevertheless, officials anticipate that burials will commence “in a few short weeks,” following a ceremonial blessing of the site, he added.
The new cemetery is intended to adhere to modern operational standards and provide an improved environment for mourning families and community members.
Government representatives emphasized their commitment to ensuring the transition is executed correctly, rather than hastily.
While no new opening date was set during the briefing, the assurance of a blessing ceremony followed by imminent burials offers reassurance that the project remains a priority.
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Yh right! Another excuse for the delay. Sadly, though, death/ need for burial does not operate within a political time frame. While I understand the need for modernizing cemetery offerings, I’m appalled that (new) problems keep appearing close to every announced formal commissioning of the new cemetery. What does this tell us about the government’s planning capacity? Duplicity? Inefficiency? Political manipulation? Fed up!
Lol jokers. I’ve been reading this ever wrek and nothing at all.
For the length of time I heard that the Public Cemetery on Friars Hill Road is full and the ones at New Winthropes and Valley Church are nearing capacity, I would that thought that more and greater urgency would have been placed on getting the new cemetery ready……yet this. After all these years, and lack of proper planning coupled with premature announcement of opening, it is still not ready.
To get a piece of land ready for burials taken this long?? Lord, help me! Somebody please tell me this is a joke! They need to start burying people there now and work on the other issues. What else they need to be doing with the dirt?? Dig the holes and start dropping the dead in!! The church service can be held under a tent if the chapel isn’t ready, and for the public cemetery administrative office, can remain where it is as temporary.
When additional lands were allocated at Lambert and Valley Cemeteries to buried people didn’t stay this long to prepare the lands.
Is this new public cemetery at Tomlinson another election gimmick—general election closer than we think?
It is public works in charge, so are you surprised. The worse ministry in Antigua but with the “best” Minister. There is no plan for the cemetery as there is no plan for the roads. If there is please publish both. Have you seen how they cut huge squares in the roads and leave them for weeks to trap and destroy the vehicles of unsuspecting drivers? No cones. No lights. Does this indicate even basic or common sense planning? I say again are there no lawyers who are willing to sue Public Works on behalf of the suffering vehicle owners of Antigua?