KSAMC struggling to find ‘suitable land’ for the dead

Jamaica has acres and acres of unused lands, but people are struggling to find suitable pieces on which to build their own homes, for various reasons, including lack of security, inconvenient locations and high prices.

And it seems that even the dead, too, might be in danger of not finding a final resting place.

Cemeteries in the land are “overflowing”. Thus, a dearth of space within.

This issue was broached by Councillor Eugiene Kelly as he spoke during a brief ceremony to officially dedicate the columbarium in the ‘Columbarium Garden’ at Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew on Saturday. A columbarium is a structure where the ashes of cremated people are stored in niches.

“As you might be aware, local authorities are tasked with establishing and maintaining public cemeteries. This has been quite a challenge for the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), especially in recent times, as we have not been able to identify suitable land for this purpose. As our current facilities reach capacity, we are forced to find alternative solutions. For this reason, the KSAMC applauds Boulevard Baptist Church [for] well establishing this columbarium,” Kelly told the gathering, with the columbarium in the background.

“Thankfully, for those of us who are not averse to cremation, we have the option of having the remains of our loved ones stored in a modern, aesthetically pleasing columbarium, which provides a serene space for our dearly departed, while offering solace to the grieving families. The growing need for final resting places, compounded by the limitation of traditional cemeteries, makes this modern alternative a welcomed choice for many.”

The columbarium garden at Boulevard Baptist Church was conceptualised while Rolborne Barrett, local committee and project manager, was chairman of the property and became a reality with the help of Jean Treasure and Joy Parish.

In addressing the gathering on Saturday, Barrett, among other things, said, “A popular ongoing debate is, cremation versus burial, and why cremation is better. In 2015, cremation rate rose higher than burial for the first time, and it is predicted that more than 75 per cent will choose cremation by 2035.”

But, “Why cremation?” he asked.

“There is a strong belief that cremation is better and these seven benefits are contributing to its growth; cost, environmental concerns, simplicity, cemetery availability, flexibility, a personalised way to honour loved ones, and a more relaxed stance from religions,” he answered himself.

“In the past, many religions [have been] strongly opposed to cremation, but, to date, they have adjusted and taking a more relaxed stance towards this form of closure. The main reason or belief is that the soul is immortal and it does not rely on the physical body as cremation only impacts the physical body and there is no doctrinal objection to cremation.”

editorial@gleanerjm.com