Health Ministry Cracks Down on Illegal Construction in Public Cemeteries

PUBLIC NOTICE: UNAUTHORISED CONSTRUCTION IN PUBLIC CEMETERIES

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs has identified several instances of unauthorised construction within the St. John’s Public Cemetery and other public cemeteries across Antigua and Barbuda.

The public is hereby advised that the construction, alteration or installation of any tomb, headstone, fence, retaining wall, concrete structure or other permanent feature within a public cemetery is strictly prohibited without prior written approval from the Chief Health Inspector.

Any unauthorised work will be immediately halted, dismantled and removed, regardless of its stage of completion, in accordance with the Public Health Act, Cap. 353. Persons who undertake unauthorised construction or interfere with graves, tombs, burial plots or other cemetery structures will also face prosecution.

These requirements are necessary to:

protect burial plots and the rights of families;

preserve the dignity and sanctity of cemetery grounds;

maintain accurate records of burials and approved works;

ensure the orderly management of public cemeteries; and

safeguard public health and safety.

Members of the public must not rely on instructions, assurances or approvals from unauthorised individuals. Before commencing any cemetery-related work, the required approval must be obtained directly from the Cemetery Office or the Central Board of Health.

All enquiries concerning burials, family plots, tombs, headstones, fencing, retaining walls or other cemetery works must be directed to the appropriate authority before any arrangements are made or construction begins.

The Ministry is strengthening the monitoring of public cemeteries and will take appropriate enforcement action against all breaches.

The cooperation of the public is required to protect the integrity, safety and dignity of Antigua and Barbuda’s public cemeteries.

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