–President Ali says at commissioning of newly constructed Leguan Island Crematorium

A NEWLY-constructed crematorium was commissioned on Friday by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on the island of Leguan on the mighty Essequibo River.
The Leguan Island Crematorium was a generous donation from the Ramroop family to the island.

President Ali said that the facility is a significant contribution to the island’s infrastructure, fulfilling a long-standing need for a proper and modern space where residents can perform last rites.
“The fact that life ends here is not what we celebrate, because here is where life ends, symbolically. The spirit leaves the body long before the symbolic movement; this symbolic significance of where life ends is also where healing begins, because, as family and friends gather here, it is the first place where healing begins,” President Ali emphasised.

The Guyanese leader noted the importance of creating an environment that fosters healing and support during difficult times, such as when performing last rites, especially for those practicing Hinduism and other religions that observe cremation.
According to him, this environment should be characterised by dignity, respect, honour, and pride, ensuring that those who are grieving can find solace and peace in a setting that upholds these values.
President Ali highlighted that the crematorium is not just for the deceased, but also serves as a dignified space for the living to gather and heal.

He said: “This is a beautiful facility for the living. This is a facility through which the morality of life, the dignity of life, the reality of life must be established. And in some cultural and geographic spaces, these facilities are built to encourage meditation; to encourage the position of the soul while you are alive to connect with what is expected of you when you’re alive…”

President Ali thanked the Ramroop family for investing in the facility, noting: “The Ramroop family has invested in much more than a facility for the departed loved ones; they have invested in a facility of hope, they have invested in a facility of healing and they have invested, importantly, in a facility where families are united in the hope of healing. And that is what we celebrate today.”
In his remarks, Dr. Ali referenced religious teachings, stating that building facilities like crematoriums is regarded as the highest form of “care and charity.”

According to him, it is seen as the greatest expression of respect and compassion, as it provides a dignified space for people to honour their loved ones and perform important cultural and religious rites.

He praised the Ramroop family as a “family of charity” and expressed gratitude for their thoughtful and compassionate contribution to the community. He encouraged residents to take care of and value the facility, highlighting that it will also benefit the nearby island of Wakenaam.
Designed to meet the needs of the island, the crematorium is equipped with modern amenities. It includes a sheltered area for services, adequate seating, restrooms and a parking area. The commissioning ceremony was attended by residents, religious leaders, and government officials.