Dead resting place in grave condition

CEMETERIES are reserved for the dead and the dead must be respected. Rural Development and Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein sent this message to all 14 local government corporations in Trinidad.

In a statement issued by the ministry, Hosein disclosed that he has paid impromptu visits to several cemeteries across the country. He was alarmed to discover that "some people find a home in these places."

Hosein declared, "A cemetery must not be used as a dwelling but rather a place to pay our respects to those who have gone to the beyond." He also said many of the cemeteries he visited are "overgrown and littered with refuse."

Some cemeteries need basic painting and fencing. But the majority, Hosein said are "very unsightly and show a lack of proper maintenance with grass up to ten feet high."

He said cemeteries must be "areas of reverence, where people go to remember their loved ones who have passed." People should not have to see their final resting places in an "untidy, deplorable condition." Hosein said all corporations have allocations in their recurrent expenditure for the maintenance of cemeteries and to pay workers assigned to these areas.

It cannot be business as usual, Hosein stresses saying that all corporations must improve efficiency in the maintenance and management of these spaces.

He also observed that privately managed cemeteries are "well maintained and welcoming to citizens." Hosein was disappointed that government funds are allocated for essential services and "the job is not being performed satisfactorily." He also said it is unacceptable to have to contract out services when corporation workers have already been paid to do these jobs.