If one were to take a survey across Guyana it would be found that most burial sites are in a deplorable state which is indeed most unfortunate, because they ought to be sacred sites where homage is placed on those who have passed away.

One would find that these burial sites are overgrown with dense bushes and trees making them havens for reptiles as well as inaccessible.

During the rainy season, it is even worse because they become heavily waterlogged and filled with slush.

Most burial sites fall within the realm of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) or municipalities but it would appear that these constitutional bodies established to deal with such matters are unaware of their responsibilities or they just do not care about the welfare of their respective communities.

Of course, some burial sites are pleasantly well kept and a model of what they should be like. One example is the cremation site at Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara.

However, in this instance, it must be noted that this site is being maintained by a private entrepreneur. In fact, this site which was also in a poor state was refurbished by the businessman and also being maintained by him.
Maybe it would take similar initiatives to have other sites being kept in a similar condition.
Nevertheless, while the responsibility falls on NDCs and municipalities, the community should also take responsibility and play a meaningful role in helping to maintain burial sites.

In this regard, the religious organisations should play a leading and influential role. This is a good opportunity for religious organisations to make a more practical and tangible contribution to society, as religion ought not to be just about ceremonies and rituals. Religions need to practise what they preach and that is: “Service to humanity is service to God.”
On this note though, the Muslim organisations must be fully commended. As is customary, most burial sites are demarcated into three sections – Christian, Hindu and Muslim which is reflective of the general religious makeup of our society. What is visibly noticeable is that the Muslim sections at these burial sites are the best kept which is a reflection of the membership of the Muslim community’s deep sense of responsibility and commitment and spirit of cooperation.

They simply do not lay back and wait on NDCs and municipalities to do the job. They simply grab the bull by its horns and do what has to be done. If the other major religious bodies emulate the Muslims then the burial sites across the country will be in a much healthier state.

On this note, it is most pleasant and refreshing to see the Le Repentir burial ground is being cleared up. While work has just started it has already started taking a more civilized appearance.

Lloyda Rollins, Engineer at the Ministry of Public Works and Communication, with responsibility for the project, in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) stated that government is investing $15M to enhance Le Repentir and its surroundings.

“The scope of the work includes the removal of debris and garbage, and the trimming of overhanging trees, spraying overgrowth and cleaning the drains, as this would significantly beautify the cemetery,” Rollins said.

This project will also see additional areas in the cemetery in need of renovation being demarcated and prioritised.

One would now hope that after this refurbishment is completed it would not be allowed to return to the most deplorable and atrocious condition it was in through regular and routine maintenance, the absence of which, caused it to look more like a training ground for guerrillas.

We should take examples from how burial sites are kept in foreign countries.