Burials at the new Tranquility Park Cemetery on the Sir Sydney Walling Highway will begin effective September 1st this year.
The announcement comes from Health Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph at a press conference on Tuesday. He confirmed that the ministry had conducted several ‘dry runs’ to ensure that the new system for burials is well understood by those who will be involved in the burial exercise.
However, the minister is putting the public on notice that the new cemetery comes with new regulations governing behavior and the use of alcohol or smoking of illegal substances.
“We are able to make the announcement, having done several dry runs to be sure that the whole management of internment is professional, and it is characterized by our tradition that we should honour the dead, be reverent. There are certain things that will change; and that is the internment will have certain standards and restrictions.”
According to Sir Molwyn, some of the changes that are being contemplated will require the backing of legislation. One such change would be that burials will go as deep as nine feet to accommodate a second burial in each grave. This is being done so that the remains of the first body are not disturbed to accommodate the second.
But the minister was adamant when he spoke of the types of behaviors that will not be tolerated within the compound of the cemetery.
“Loud, disruptive, or offensive behavior will not be tolerated. Alcohol, illegal substances, and smoking are strictly prohibited within the cemetery grounds, and the cemetery reserves the right to remove any person engaging in inappropriate conduct. In terms of visiting hours, the cemetery is open to the public from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily,” he revealed.
Sir Molwyn reported that he has observed over the years that people attending funerals have been cavorting, playing loud music, drinking and behaving in an irreverent manner. He promised that this will not be allowed in the new cemetery and the cemetery’s security officers will be on hand ‘to escort these individuals’ from the cemetery if necessary.
Minister Sir Molwyn also revealed that there will be a ban on the use of plastic floral arrangements within the new cemetery in keeping with the government’s ban on plastics. He noted that these arrangements currently litter the current public cemetery in St. John’s and he wants to avoid this problem from the onset.
With regard to vending, that too will be regulated. Only authorized persons will be allowed to vend within the compound of the cemetery and none will be allowed on the outside.
