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.
Maybe is that they want,non money dey.
I strongly believe these families know what they are doing, or maybe even unaware of the fact that their family is dead. I hope the families do reach out. Don’t leave us hanging Antigua.news
Wow, is it that people just don’t care?
If money was involved Im sure they would have claimed them by now
Exactly
Knowing someone has passed yet not stepping forward to claim them says a lot about circumstances and priorities, but it doesn’t lessen the sadness of the situation.
This one hit me hard. No one should leave this world without family by their side. I really hope someone recognizes the names and reaches out.
While it’s sad, I agree the authorities have to keep the morgues clear. Still, maybe a public notice with photos could help identify unclaimed bodies faster.
Tough situation. The government can’t keep these bodies indefinitely, but it’s a grim reminder of how disconnected some families have become.
That’s so heartbreaking. I hope the families come forward soon everyone deserves a proper burial.
Sometimes people leave the island and don’t even know their loved ones passed. Government should try every way possible to contact relatives before burial
The dead is concious of nothing at all. We should be more concerned about the living rather than the dead. THe homeless mentally ill peoople roaming antigua is still alive
It’s a good reminder for us all check on your relatives, especially the elderly. You never know what’s going on.
I understand the government has to act, but there should be a little more time. Things like this take emotional and financial preparation.