Burial restrictions irk some mourners

The Government-imposed protocol that allows only a 30-minute interment period for burials with only 10 mourners being present has raised the ire of some mourners.

When the news team visited the Meadowrest Memorial Gardens in St Catherine on Tuesday, there was a steady stream of mourners.

"This is total foolishness. Can you imagine we travelled from Greenwich Town to come first bury mi fren and mi can't even get fi say goodbye properly. This 30 minutes business is too short," Patrice Shaw said. The measures were put in place as the Government continues to try and stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Up to Tuesday, Jamaica had recorded 38,848 positive cases with 587 deaths. Previously there was a total ban on burials but after meeting with stakeholders, a compromise was reached. Despite that, Shaw said that it would have been better if more time was given for burials as it would help bring closure for loved ones of the deceased. Another mourner who spoke with THE STAR, Danny Hechavarriah, said that the changes are too sudden and persons are being adversely affected by the sudden adjustments.

"Changes are constant, but with each change there is a need to have persons adjust, and that is the problem here. I am really trying to deal with the new burial rules," Hechavarriah said.

His wife Avis said that she disagreed with the changes that dictate how persons are able to pay their last respects.

"I think one hour should be given and at least 20 persons could be allowed under strict scrutiny. I find it very troubling that my best friend of 43 years is being buried and 30 minutes is definitely too short, in my view," Avis said. She also posited that while the churches and burials are being curtailed, other activities are being allowed.

"I am saddened as the racetrack is still open. Yet people cannot give the deserved respect to the departed," Avis said.

Leroi Lorde, managing director of Meadowrest, said "We have seen a steady stream of interment since yesterday (Monday) and we are experiencing a reasonable level of cooperation to the COVID-19 protocols. We intend to keep it that way." Meanwhile, Telbert Roberts, public relations officer for the Jamaica Association of Certified Embalmers and Funeral Directors, said that the industry needs regulations with teeth, especially in light of the current backlog of bodies.

"We have too many unregistered, untrained and unregulated people in the business. We need proper regulations to be able to prepare, store and inter bodies properly," Roberts said.