Dear Editor,

Let us take a look at what is happening in the St Catherine constituency represented by Christopher Tufton, Member of Parliament and minister of health.

The operators of Dovecot Memorial Park and Meadowrest Memorial Gardens are facing severe challenges from residents of the various districts and communities near to where they are situated.

The residents fear contamination of their water supply, traffic congestion, and depreciation of their property values, and at times odours emanating from the gardens and the park.

It is obvious that proper due diligence had not been done before permits were issued and, as a result, the challenges now being faced.

In any new application for a permit to operate a private cemetery, memorial gardens or burial park, proper due diligence must be done as far as public health issues and the water table are concerned in order to avoid challenges that may occur. The demographics of these must be taken into consideration; the ages of the population must be a key component along with the need for the facility.

Funds for expansion must also be a key component as young children are more susceptible to diseases, etc. The existing facility must be looked at as it relates to additional availability of lands for expansion, etc. As well, employment is also a key component along with life expectancy and health care.

It is obvious that these factors were not taken into consideration and, as a result, the memorial park and the gardens are now expanding further into adjoining districts and villages.

In the United States of America all the abovementioned factors must be taken into consideration before the issuing of any licence or permit. It is quite obvious that some of these concerns were not addressed before the relevant permits were issued by the municipal corporations. The health and welfare of our citizens must be our first priority. We must learn from the mistakes we have made in the past as there will be continuous traffic congestion, blocking of roads and investors’ frustration.

Let us get it right today, as tomorrow may be too late.

The May Pen Cemetery has acres of virgin lands, but because of the condition of the cemetery and its location they are underutilised. The cemetery is filled with history and the remains of several notable citizens are interred therein. Plus, it remains the most affordable.

The following must be taken into consideration as it relates to the granting of any permit for the establishment of burial parks, memorial gardens and cemeteries in general:

1) demographics

2) location

3) trained and experienced personnel

4) certification

And, as the minister suggests, in his address to the funeral directors present at the recently held funeral directors’ brunch at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, the smaller entities should consider mergers and partnerships going forward.

I would like to suggest that the restoration of the May Pen Cemetery be considered as the National Labour Day Project for 2020.

Joseph M Cornwall Sr, JP

Managing Director /CEO

House of Tranquillity Funeral Home Ltd

tranquillityfh@yahoo.com