The government has confirmed plans to upgrade Le Repentir Cemetery and elevate it to the status of a national memorial, with work set to begin in 2025.
Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill clarified that the government has already initiated plans to upgrade cemeteries across the country, including Le Repentir.
Established in 1861, the cemetery spans approximately 106.5 acres and has experienced significant degradation over the years.
Minister Edghill also pointed out that the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is legally responsible for maintaining the cemetery, with burial fees paid to City Hall.
He questioned where these funds were going, citing the M&CC’s ongoing financial challenges.
In outlining the government’s planned refurbishment of the cemetery, Minister Edghill discussed a wider urban rehabilitation programme for Georgetown.
Small contractors from surrounding areas will soon be employed to construct concrete roads in the cemetery, including six main access roads, 13 cross streets, and four footpaths.
The cemetery’s overgrown vegetation is also a significant challenge. To address this, the government is exploring a proposed protocol that would allow families to pave not just tombs, but the ground around them as well, reducing vegetation growth and minimising maintenance efforts.
This initiative will extend to cemeteries nationwide.
Minister Edghill also noted that the M&CC’s failures had prompted Central Government intervention, with nearly $20 billion already spent on capital city improvements.
