The Fiji Corrections Service has apologised to families affected by the recent removal of grave decorations at cemeteries under its care to maintain the grounds’ cleanliness, safety and overall upkeep.
The Corrections Service says it respects the sacred nature of cemeteries and the sentimental value of memorial items placed by families, but some decorations have been removed.
They say Section 8(d) of the Burial and Cremation Act 1971, makes it an offence to place or plant any gravestone, memorial, monument, railing, tablet, tree or shrub in a burial ground without the cemetery manager’s permission.
They say objects that obstruct maintenance work or pose safety risks may be removed in accordance with set guidelines and timelines.
They say that while it has been lenient in allowing families to honour their loved ones, it has a legal duty to enforce these provisions.
They say officers, with the assistance of supervised inmates, carry out regular mowing, weeding and cleaning using their resources.
The Corrections further explain that due to limited burial space, the previous practice of constructing concrete boxes over graves has been discontinued.
They say Cemetery Office has introduced standardised headstone designs to make better use of space, ensure fairness and align with modern burial standards. Families with questions are encouraged to contact the Cemetery Office directly.
