By Cedric Johnson, Gleaner WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
IN A bid to put important infrastructure in place to meet the expected multimillion-dollar expansion along the south coast, eight hectares of land, costing just over $1 million, has been acquired at Belmont, in Westmoreland, to be used as a new cemetery for the Whitehouse area.
"An official of the Ministry of Local Government visited the site and held discussion with officers of the Council," said Patricia Sinclair-Stair, secretary/manager of the Westmoreland Parish Council, in giving an update on the situation at last week's monthly meeting of the Council. "A report has since been submitted to the local authority, signalling approval for the cemetery to be established."
"The land, which was acquired from the Urban Development Corporation, was thoroughly checked by the requisite environmental bodies and there is no legal impediment against the establishment of a cemetery there," Mrs. Sinclair-Stair continued.
NEW CONCEPT
The report went on to assert that such a cemetery would provide an excellent opportunity for the Council, working in conjunction with the Ministry, to present a new concept of a modern public cemetery with particular emphasis on design, layout, management, pricing and financing for the venture.
Speaking to the question of increasing the Council's revenue from the proposed cemetery, the report noted that it was evident that the potential existed for the development of a first-class facility, which has the potential to contribute to the Council's finances.
The report also stated that the Ministry of Local Government was recommending that the Council seek technical support and financial assistance from the Equalisation Fund, which will become available in the financial year beginning April 1, 2004.
A call was also made for discussions with community members including representatives of the Belmont Primary School, which is in close proximity to the proposed cemetery.
Councillor Oneil Anglin, who succeeded the late Ivan 'Bob' Pinnock, praised his predecessor for his persistent advocacy and suggested that on completion, the cemetery be named in his honour.
