Greenland Cemetery

Deputy Secretary, Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe said that breaches of the current legislation continue to be noted and commented that a recent meeting with Burial Ground Managers revealed an escalating problem whereby some persons have not been cooperating with the managers.

“Persons who breach any of the provisions of the Burial Grounds Regulations are guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of over a thousand dollars,” she said.

The Deputy Secretary reiterated to residents that Burial Ground Managers are responsible for maintaining the general orderliness and appearance of the Territory’s public burial grounds, in accordance with the Burial Grounds Regulations 1978.

The authority the managers have covers determination of where deceased persons should be buried, removal of faded flowers from grave sites, and to ensure that the public complies with the provision of the relevant legislation.

The official appealed to offenders to refrain from tombing graves or constructing vaults in public or private burial grounds without prior written permission from the Ministry.

“Persons who are granted permission to construct vaults are reminded of the need to remove construction materials upon completion of the burial proceedings. We are appealing for the public’s full cooperation with all Burial Ground Managers,” she said.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is also updating its register of private burial grounds. Residents who own such facilities are asked to contact the Ministry to verify that their respective private burial grounds are licensed, in accordance with Section 4 of the Cemeteries Act (Cap 177). “No permission will be granted for burials in private sites that have not been licensed by the Ministry,” Mrs. Stoutt-Igwe said.

Additionally, the Ministry is now finalising a Discussion Paper to seek public input on recommendations for amending both the Cemeteries Act and the Burial Grounds Regulations. Public consultations are expected to commence within the approaching month.