THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has made a commitment to stand funeral parlour and cremation expenses for the four persons who died in the tragic mishap at Philadelphia, East Bank Essequibo on Monday while performing a religious ritual.Subject Minister Jennifer Webster yesterday informed that the Human Services Ministry was saddened by the tragic circumstances attending the passing of the four persons who died by drowning at Philadelphia, East Bank Essequibo, and wished to express its deepest sympathy to their surviving relatives and friends. She described the incident as indeed a tragic and unfortunate loss of lives, and said the Ministry was committed to act within its mandate and respond in times of need.

Accordingly, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry has undertaken to cover the expenses associated with use of the parlour and cremation of the four family members, it related.
The BK Group of Companies on Thursday chipped in and provided the relatives of the four dead persons with financial assistance intended to help offset funeral costs.
The company made the commitment to the family based on a discussion held with relatives immediately after the death of the four persons had been publicised in the local media.
Last Monday, Billy Narine, 12, and Annapina Persaud, 9, of Lot 2404 Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara; their aunt Radika Persaud, 53, and cousin Ravin Persaud, 15, of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo were all found in the Essequibo River hours after they had visited the waters to release offerings for a relative who had passed away.
The four persons would all be cremated on Sunday February 8.