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Cremation Services Set to Launch in Antigua and Barbuda from September

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Photo Credit: Everton Barnes

Residents will soon have the option of cremation, with services expected to begin on September 1, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph announced.

The new service will require legislation, and the Chief Health Inspector, Daryl Spencer, is currently reviewing practices from other countries to develop regulations that will govern cremation in Antigua and Barbuda. These rules will cover important details, including the handling of ashes.

Minister Joseph stressed that cremation must be carried out with respect and transparency, adding: “we don’t want any funny business in Antigua and Barbuda”

Sources within the Ministry confirmed that the government will not directly provide cremation services. Instead, a new private funeral home is expected to begin operations soon, with cremation included as part of its offerings.

This move provides families with a modern alternative to traditional burial, marking a notable shift in the country’s funeral services landscape.

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Comments (8)

  • Hallelujah Amen August 22, 2025, 9:24 AM

    Question!
    Do we need a new funeral home on Antigua and Barbuda inorder to offer cremation services?
    And I think the answer is no
    M Joseph wants people here to think cremation is rocket science and for years now the public requesting the service but it’s now a study is been done to set up laws governing it.
    If you are not blinded by political colours you would realize that’s the way our governments operates backwardly, don’t listen to the public but treat the nations business like it’s theirs
    People wake up and demand better

  • Informed citizen August 20, 2025, 4:54 PM

    Cultural acceptance might be slow. Many still prefer traditional burials.

  • Maui August 20, 2025, 4:04 PM

    As well,if a body in Antigua needs to be shipped back home, it could be costly for a plane ride,whereas a person taking it home is quite convenient.

  • Naui August 20, 2025, 4:01 PM

    Well truthfully, it’s not our normal Caribbean thing. But with funerals costing in the thousands these days,a cremation is much cheaper as well as with the shortage of burial space and the frequency of deaths, it’s the way to go,especially for those who can’t afford a casket that’s the price of a small car.

  • Apex Jones August 20, 2025, 12:12 PM

    Wawwww. Do we have the demand for this here? I can’t recall ever hearing someone saying that they wish for their family to be cremated

  • Darg August 20, 2025, 9:38 AM

    Blah blah blah…..never gonna happen! Why is it that a NEW funeral home must me set up when the two EXISTING can unite and do it for themselves, with even the government’s assistance. I’m not saying that cremation isn’t a very good and needed service, but too little too late mister minister. Prove this isn’t just idle and the usual bs.

  • Brenda August 20, 2025, 9:32 AM

    Glad to hear they’re putting rules in place. Handling ashes respectfully is really important.

  • Beatrice August 20, 2025, 9:31 AM

    How awesome! Many have the wishes of being cremated or many want to keep the loved ones around

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