Assurances have been given that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will
be undertaken before a crematorium is established in the country.
With preparations continuing for a new public cemetery for Saint John’s and its
environs, talks are being held with two female entrepreneurs of Antiguan descent,
based in Canada, for construction of the facility, which once realized will be the
first of its kind, in the country.
The women, whose names are yet to be revealed, believe there is a market for
offering such a service and as such are willing to invest, by meeting with members
of the cabinet to share their ideas for the operationalization of a crematorium.
Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Lionel ‘Max’ Hurst
told reporters at Monday’s Post-Cabinet Press Briefing that the environmental
impact assessment will also include the type of energy that will be utilized in the
cremation of bodies.
“They were asked what source of energy they would use for the furnace, and they
indicated that in Canada, where they are based, they now utilize gasoline, the same
that we use in our cars. They subsequently learned that purchasing a crematorium
that uses LNG would be an option, as an LNG plant is being erected in Antigua
and Barbuda and it is a less harmful energy source than gasoline. Based on this
information, they are now considering the option of LNG rather than going with
gasoline,” he reported.
Several years ago, it was revealed that the two funeral homes in the country were
expected to collaborate in the construction of a crematorium. But that has fallen
through.
Ambassador. Hurst noted that setting up a crematorium is a costly exercise and
anyone making that investment must do so with the assurance that they will see a
viable return on their investment.
It was noted that the Attorney General and the Minister of Health will
collaborate to ensure that the appropriate legislation is adopted by the Parliament,
to allow for the crematorium to function.
The prospective investors are hoping the facility will be close to the new cemetery.
