After facing several years of delays, it appears that the construction of the new Tomlinsons public cemetery is finally moving forward.
The project, which was initially announced over five years ago, had been held up due to funding issues and the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Minister of Health Sir Molwyn Joseph, the estimated EC$2 million project is now advancing, with the land being fenced in preparation.
He explained that the delay in fencing was due to other priorities, including the Sir Novelle Richards Secondary School and the Pares Secondary School.
Once these schools are fully fenced, work on the cemetery will resume.
Joseph also clarified that the cemetery and the aquatic centre, which had its ground-breaking last year, will not be located next to each other.
He explained that the cemetery will be situated west of Merryland amusement park and will not cross the road near Sir Novelle, where the aquatic centre is being built.
The idea of relocating the public cemetery to Tomlinsons was first announced by the Antigua Labour Party in 2003 as the St John’s Public Cemetery had reached its capacity.
However, some residents in the area had objections to the cemetery being located along the busy main road, Sir Sydney Walling Highway.
The Health Minister has since consulted with the Potters community and received their approval for the project.
The new cemetery, to be named Tomlinsons Park or Tomlinsons Garden Cemetery, is expected to span about 10 acres and feature a non-denominational church, crematorium, and an ecumenical centre.
