One quarter of cemeteries in SVG at or nearing capacity

Twenty five percent of the 45 cemeteries in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) are at capacity or nearing capacity.

And while the government continues to cater to the traditional burial methods, there are some challenges with locating lands to be used as burial grounds.

On Sunday, January 21, Senator and Minister of Urban Development, Benarva Browne spoke about the problem, noting that her ministry is hoping to develop “simple guidelines” in relation to what makes a good cemetery while exploring all possible options.

Speaking on WE FM’s Issue at Hand programme, Browne said that there is a shortage of suitable lands to be used as cemeteries and therefore the expansion is a bit of a challenge.

She noted also that climate change is a problem and several cemeteries are affected by this.

Browne noted that while alternatives to traditional burial do exist and are available in the country, it is the policy of the current administration to support persons who prefer the traditional way of dealing with the remains of their loved ones.

She said that traditions must be respected so the government has to find lands.

“…because traditional burial is what people want but the alternatives are available,” Browne said.

She added also that her ministry is looking at the digitization of cemeteries and will be running a project along that line.

“We realize there is little or no record keeping…records are kept by workers and as they pass (die) the knowledge passes…” Browne said, while noting that digitization is needed as the government looks to establish new cemeteries in areas where capacity is a problem.

Browne noted as well that her ministry has received a 4.5% increase in funds to further deal with cemeteries and these funds will cover areas including wages and modernization.