(photo by Everton Barnes)
Tranquility Park Cemetery will have its inaugural burial service today, marking a new chapter in addressing the island’s critical shortage of burial space.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs confirmed that the first interment at the newly established facility is taking place following a funeral service that began at 2:00 p.m. at a local church.
Officials noted that the exact timing of the burial ceremony depends on the length of the preceding funeral service, but the significance of this first burial represents the successful operation of a facility that has been eagerly anticipated by the community.
The new cemetery became operational following its official commissioning on July 17, approximately six weeks ago. The facility was developed as an urgent response to the capacity crisis facing burial services across the island.
Both the St. John’s Public Cemetery and several community cemeteries had reached full capacity, creating a pressing need for additional burial space to serve residents. The opening of Tranquility Park provides much-needed relief for families seeking burial options and ensures continuity of essential services for the community.
I’m after all these time! It’s finally happening. Glad there wasn’t a “set back”
This is certainly nothing to celebrate since families are in mourning but I’m happy that the dead not have a dignified resting place
I hope this is part of a long-term plan. We need to make sure future generations won’t face the same burial space crisis.
Who on earth celebrates buring dead people lol Only Antigua
It’s bittersweet, progress for the country, but grief for the family involved.