Government puts in place regulations to govern cremations in the country

The government has announced that with the approval of a local cremation service in Antigua and Barbuda, the Ministry for Health, Wellness and the Environment sought and received Cabinet’s approval for the establishment of a number of rules to guide the management of cremation in Antigua and Barbuda.

This Cabinet Notes have indicated that the regulations for these services are as follows;

• Approval & Registration: Crematoria must be approved by the Minister and registered with the Central Board of Health; embalmers must be licensed. Annual inspections and fees are required.
• Medical Certification: A valid death certificate is mandatory; coroners may intervene for sudden or unexplained deaths.
• Application & Authorization: Family or authorized persons apply; the Central Board of Health grants permission for cremation.
• Cremation Process: Identity verification, removal of medical implants, and proper handling of medical/metal residues are required. Separate cremation for individuals unless special cases apply.
• Ash Disposal: Ashes may be returned to applicants or stored in a columbarium; unclaimed ashes require notification. A register of all cremations must be maintained, and official authorization is required for interment in cemeteries or other disposal methods.

Here is a more detailed explanation of the essential procedures and regulatory requirements:

1. Crematorium Establishment and Operation

• The Minister, advised by the Chief Health Inspector, can approve sites for cremation.
• Crematoria must be registered with the Central Board of Health before operation.
• Regulations cover construction, management, annual registration, and inspection (between January and March) with associated fees.
• Embalmers must be licensed under the Public Health Act.
• The Central Board of Health can close a crematorium for sanitary breaches or expired registration/licensing.

2. Medical Certification and Notification

• Applicants must provide personal details (name, relationship, contact info, proof of identity) and a valid death certificate in English with cause of death and other key details.
• Coroners are involved in cases of sudden or unexplained death.
• Shipping cremated remains requires certified documents, embalmer’s affidavit, a letter confirming non-contagious disease, and proof of deceased’s citizenship.

3. Application and Authorisation

• Family members or authorized persons apply for cremation.
• The Central Board of Health grants formal authorization for cremation as a method of disposal.

4. Cremation Process and Documentation

• The identity of the deceased must be verified; identification markers remain with the body throughout cremation.
• Separate cremation for each individual, except in special cases (e.g., mother and child, twins) if requested.
• Removal of medical devices/implants before cremation.
• Metal residues and medical waste are managed according to Ministry of Health protocols.
• A waste management plan must always be maintained.

5. Disposal of Ash

• Ashes may be returned to the applicant or stored in a columbarium if uncollected.
• The authority must notify applicants via registered letter if ashes remain unclaimed after a period (two weeks).
• A register of all cremations must be maintained.
• Central Board of Health authorization is required for interment in public cemeteries or other disposal methods.