FCS Calls For Urgent Review Of Burial And Cremation Laws
“We urge the Government and relevant stakeholders to prioritise the review of the Burial and Cremation Act 1911,” Mr Nakarawa said.
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | 14:40
Fiji Corrections Service commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa on July 25, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is calling for an urgent review of the Burial and Cremation Act 1911.
The Act, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, has not been updated to reflect the evolving responsibilities and challenges faced by the FCS in managing urban burial sites.
Over the years, the FCS has taken on the role of managing these sites, ensuring that burials are conducted respectfully and that burial grounds are maintained.
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FCS commissioner Jale Nakarawa said that this arrangement was not officially recognised within the legal framework, leading to significant operational challenges.
“While we are committed to the upkeep of burial sites, the FCS lacks the necessary resources to adequately police these areas and prevent vandalism,” Mr Nakarawa said.
“The legal framework does not provide us with the authority or the means to address damage and security concerns effectively.”
FCS has acknowledged that vandalism and burial site damage are rising, and it cannot address these issues comprehensively and is not liable for any damage or desecration caused by vandalism.
As part of the Act’s review, this practice may need to be reconsidered or regulated to ensure sustainable management of burial sites.
The traditional practice of decorating graves, while culturally significant, contributes to the accumulation of rubbish that must be cleared regularly.
This practice places a further drain on the FCS’s time and resources.
The review of the Burial and Cremation Act 1911 is long overdue.
An updated legal framework is essential to clearly define the responsibilities of the FCS and provide the necessary resources and authority to manage burial sites effectively.
“We urge the Government and relevant stakeholders to prioritise the review of the Burial and Cremation Act 1911,” Mr Nakarawa said.
“This is crucial for the FCS to continue its role in managing urban burial sites and to protect these sacred spaces from neglect and vandalism.”
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