A $4 million crematorium site funded by overseas-based and local families was commissioned at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne on Sunday.
Guyanese citizens Deonarine and Pam Balkarran from Canada with the Lilly Construction Firm and Raghubar family from Guyana funded the project which is also equipped with a building to conduct final rites services. The Balkarrans funded the building.
During the simple commissioning ceremony, Member of Parliament (MP) Fizal Jafferally applauded the families for their “public/private” contribution to the upper Corentyne community.
“Thank you for making this project a reality, without your contribution and commitment, we would not have achieved this; you have demonstrated by your words and actions that you have love for your community, country and humanity,” he said.
The parliamentarian urged citizens to look over and manage the site. “I urge the donors, NDC and the wider community to manage this crematorium in an effective and efficient way. Not only the establishment of this facility is important, but sustainability is the key element,” he explained. In addition, Jafferally pledged to talk with the authorities to rehabilitate the road that leads to the crematorium.
Pandit Dave Sahadeo explained that a number of challenges were faced during the construction of the site but with determination, challenges were conquered. “We at the NDC persevered to make this project a success. We truly appreciate the efforts of our donors; I would like to declare publicly that all funds donated towards this project were properly managed and we pledge to upkeep this facility in the best of way,” he said.
Deonarine Balkarran in his brief remarks said he and his wife always “wanted to do something meaningful in our homeland.”
“We saw the crematorium project as a fitting way to give back to the village…thanks to the Raghubars for donating the land and Rakesh of Lilly’s Construction for starting the project. May Lord Krishna bless you all,” he said. In the upper Corentyne area, the Number 66 crematorium is the only one. With this newly commissioned facility, persons will face less fatigue and hassle in travelling. The crematorium is located at the rear of the Crabwood Creek cemetery.
