MP AMEEN: All UNC led corporations have resumed open pyre cremations for COVID-19 victims with immediate effect

The United National Congress wishes to announce that all UNC led corporations have resumed open pyre cremations for COVID-19 victims with immediate effect

The announcement came from the Opposition’s Shadow Local Government Minister and MP for St. Augustine Constituency, Khadijah Ameen following consultations with UNC Chairman of Municipal Corporations and Local Government Councillors. MP Khadijah Ameen, also a former Chairman of Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation, took the opportunity to congratulate the Maha Sabha, Legal Advisor MP for Chaguanas West Dinesh Rambally and the Hindu Community for winning the fight for the removal of the Government’s ban on open-pyre cremations for Covid-19 victims.

MP Ameen stated that while this may be a victory for Hindus, it is also a tragedy for Trinidad and Tobago. “In a land where every creed and race should find an equal place, for 18 months, the right of Hindus to practice their religious beliefs were stifled. No one, of any religious persuasion, should have to endure the anguish that our Hindu brothers and sisters had to endure over the past year and a half in T&T. It should not have even happened. And, it is the intention of the UNC to ensure that not a single day is added to the already 18 months of the deprivation of the right to religious belief and practices by some in our multicultural nation.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began in March 2020, open-pyre cremations for COVID-19 victims have been prohibited by the Ministry of Health. Objections to this policy came from many quarters, including the Opposition siting that prohibition of open air cremations was not a recommendation of the World Health Organization or any recognized body.

In the September 2020 update, the WHO indicated, “Based on current knowledge of the symptoms of covid19 and its main modes of transmission (droplet/contact), the likelihood of transmission when handling human remains is low.” COVID-19 victims can be buried or cremated according to local standards and family preferences. National and local regulations may determine how the remains should be handled and disposed; Family and friends may view the body after it has been prepared for burials, in accordance with local customs. They should not touch or kiss the body and should perform hand hygiene after the viewing. Those tasked with placing the body in the grave, on the funeral pyre, et cetera, should wear gloves and wash their hands with soap and water after removal of the gloves.

MP Ameen advises that all COVID-19 protocols will still be observed at these sites including social distancing, masks, sanitization and small gatherings.