Authorities Urge Families to Claim Relatives’ Bodies Before November 21 Deadline
The Office of the Chief Health Inspector is urging relatives of several deceased individuals to come forward and claim their loved ones’ bodies before Friday, November 21, 2025, or risk government-ordered burials at a public cemetery.
According to an official release, the unclaimed bodies are being stored at Barnes Funeral Home and Straffie’s Funeral Home.
Families are being advised to make immediate contact with the funeral homes to arrange private burials, as failure to do so will result in the government proceeding with public interment without further notice. Officials also cautioned that legal action after burial will not be possible.
At Barnes Funeral Home, the body of Isaac Roacher remains unclaimed. Family members are being asked to contact Jessica Barnes at 462-1037.
Meanwhile, Straffie’s Funeral Home is holding the remains of three individuals:
*Purcell Hamilton, who passed away on February 2, 2025
*Sylvester Hunte, who died on April 29, 2025
*Richard Farara, who died on August 29, 2025
Relatives of these deceased persons are asked to contact Leigh Ferrance at Straffie’s Funeral Home by calling 462-0575 or 462-2954.
Authorities are appealing for the public’s cooperation, emphasizing that the deadline will be strictly enforced to ensure proper and dignified handling of the deceased.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/11/11/authorities-urge-families-to-claim-relatives-bodies-before-november-21-deadline. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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