Grave consequences

Dennie Quill, Contributor

The images of bleached-out skulls and human remains in long-neglected May Pen cemetery have not been greeted with the outrage which they deserve. The damning images come to light via attempts by the security forces to discover bodies buried secretly in the cemetery which is located in western Kingston.

I wish we could transform some of the outrage against matters like teachers' and nurses' salaries into matters like the treatment of the dead in May Pen Cemetery. Even those conscious about the environment have been mum on the implication of having human remains strewn on the ground.

I see this as a scathing indictment on the management of our city and it has got me thinking about dignity in death.

Cemeteries have great cultural and historical significance and in many countries they are kept in pristine condition and accommodate tours by tourists and researchers. They are also places where loved ones return again and again to celebrate the memories of those who have passed into eternity. However, May Pen Cemetery has been kept in an appalling state for many years. Its unkempt appearance has belied the significance of this city landmark.

Resting place of great people

Many founding members of modern Jamaican society are believed to be interred in the May Pen Cemetery. However, in recent times, the affluent have moved to other areas but the urban paupers still find a resting place there. The question is whether the dead poor should lose all right to respect. And could the reason for such apathy be grounded in the fact that many poor and unwanted are interred there.

One recognises that it is a massive undertaking to clean this vast facility and that maintenance is a challenge for the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC). However, the answer cannot be to allow it to fall into ruins overrun by shrubs and brambles. It is no wonder that this appearance of abandonment has invited vandals to desecrate tombs there.

We have not heard what is planned for these remains but can we hope that some human decency will dictate that they are properly reburied.

What next

So what happens after this round of cleaning? We know the KSAC does not have the dollars to please everyone. But can we expect a change in attitude towards the May Pen Cemetery? Is the KSAC prepared to take a new approach to keeping this piece of real estate protected on behalf of those who are supposed to be resting there? Can we hope that the spotlight that has been shone on May Pen cemetery will inspire some creative thinking?

It is conceivable that many years from now the May Pen cemetery may disappear under the weight of new development and expansion of the Kingston waterfront. However, I refuse to accept this as the fate of May Pen Cemetery and urge us all to ensure that this monument is not destroyed. Maintaining May Pen Cemetery in an acceptable condition is not just a job for today, it is a job for generations to come.

Dennie Quill is a veteran journalist. Send feedback to denniequill@hotmail.com