MINISTER of Home Affairs Clement Rohee’s recent comments on the ugly state of the Le Repentir cemetery, echo sentiments that are similar to the numerous ones already made by citizens of almost every social strata. Given the indescribable, unbelievable state of the grounds of the dead, there can be no other sentiments except those that reflect utter disgust.

Therefore, one can understand his feelings which he described as “very, very upset”, “disappointed” and “hurt” that “as a person who grew up in Georgetown…to see the extent to which the Le Repentir has degenerated into a mini-jungle”. Again, irrefutable, for all those who – like Mr. Rohee, recalled the halcyon days of the cemetery.
That the final resting place of the departed is in an abysmal state is to put it mildly. It is vulgarly shocking to behold the hallowed environment in which the earthly remains of our family members, friends, et al, have been reposed. One remembers the days when the cemetery was pristine ground, punctiliously maintained by a dedicated staff who, on any given day, could have been found cutting the grass – grass cutters were unheard of in those days – with the simple scythe, cutlasses, and grass knives. They removed the grass from among the tombs, with an unerring thoroughness.
All canals and allied drainage were freed of weed, and siltation was not a problem. The sides of the roadway, leading from the Princes Street and Louisa Row’s entrances, were adorned by two beautifully trimmed rows of low hedge on either side to add to the aesthetics.
The roads that facilitated egress and ingress were properly maintained. On many an afternoon, visitors to the cemetery could have been seen placing flowers on the graves of their loved ones and sometimes sitting down to meditate in quiet solitude.
Alas! Such was the Le Repentir Cemetery, serene and refreshingly clean, with only the sight of the graves being a reminder that the departed rests there. Of course, it is still the place of the dead, but which then because of its mandatory maintenance regime, made death look less frightening.
But, look at this once showpiece of the former garden city: simple graves and mausoleums have disappeared amidst the thick, frightening jungle of firmly rooted trees; canals are choked; reptiles abound. Even the criminals, it is reported, now use its cover to part up the spoils from their many evil and murderous deeds.
Before its gradual disappearance into the foreboding place that it has become, anyone from any of the strategic approaches to the cemetery could have had a clear view through the entire cemetery; or even from the point of walking around its entire area. This is no longer possible, since thick jungle obscures all clear visibility.
Even the bridge has long disappeared from its Broad Street entrance, those at the Louisa Row and Sussex Street entrances, non-functional, while the others along the eastern Cemetery Road corridor are non-existent. It was a painful sight, during the land-filling phase at the dumpsite, to watch the tons of garbage that were constantly scattered among the graves. This was indeed the summit of all disrespect for the once well kept and tranquil place of the dead.
How many families, relatives and friends, both local and visiting, seeking to visit the graves of their loved ones, cannot, because of the mostly impassable growth of vegetation?
From time to time, attempts have been made to do some amount of clearing of the very thick, heavy growth jungle. One recalls the Islamic community doing such a stint, which was largely a voluntary initiative, and commendable. There were also similar exercises done by guests of the state. But since these were neither continuous nor sustainably comprehensive, the status quo remains the same.
There was even a meeting held under the aegis of the City Council at which it was suggested that overseas help be sourced! This may have been a well-meaning suggestion from whatever source, yet at the same time ridiculous since the answer lies with the relevant authorities – The Mayor and City Council (M&CC).
Minister Rohee’s comments have been the strongest to date, uttered on the shameful and shocking state of the place of interment. Certainly, citizens must begin to lift their voices in vehement protest against the daily obscenity that has become Le Repentir Cemetery; there does appear to be an acceptance of the situation as the minister has opined, on the part of citizens. It is as if the resignation of an irretrievable situation has become a part of the general citizenry’s psyche. This will only result in the City Council continuing to make excuses and continuing their regime of gross neglect.
It is time that all citizens, irrespective of social status and religious conviction, demand an end to this criminality of a burial site where most, some day, will finally rest.