Former Health Minister and member of the opposition’s People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence and Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill clashed in the House today over the state of the Le Repentir Cemetery.
Lawrence called on the government to take urgent action in restoring and maintaining the cemetery, which she described as a deteriorating historical landmark.
The Member of Parliament (MP) painted a grey but true picture of the cemetery, noting that tombs have collapsed into canals, cracked open, or broken due to years of neglect. She further pointed out that drainage infrastructure has become almost nonexistent, turning the area into an overgrown jungle and a “haven” for criminal activity.
Lawrence emphasized that Le Repentir, which was established in 1861 as the capital’s primary burial ground, has expanded from its original size of 103.508 acres to approximately 106.508 acres, exhausting the available land. However, despite its historical significance, she noted that the Georgetown City Council has been unable to secure adequate funding for security and maintenance.
She then questioned the government’s plan to address these issues.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill told his fellow legislator that plans are already in motion to secure the cemetery. “Don’t let anyone fool you…We already have the plan,” he said.
Edghill told the House that a fence is being constructed to thwart the dumping of garbage and illegal entry as well as “tomb-squatting”. He also noted that the government is moving to construct several major roads on the grounds with at least 13 cross streets, and four footpaths.
The cemetery which falls under the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) purview, is too cash-strapped to conduct work, but Edghill’s retort garnered much support from his colleagues.
He told Lawrence that if her party, the PNCR, would only pay its rates and taxes, then the PNCR-dominated M&CC would have enough resources to take care of the cemetery.
This was a hint at the PNCR’s alleged debt to the council in excess of $6.7 billion, as stated by the General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo.
