It is a mild rebuke that should not ignore the deserving introspection and recognition that the cemeteries in Guyana are in a state of decay. Values Guyanese once cherished, and which helped to shape who we are as a people and how others positively see us, are falling at the wayside. The upkeep of the cemeteries is one such. There was a time when living relatives saw it as duty and took pride in maintaining the graves of their departed loved ones. Tombs were cleaned and or repainted and the immediate environs cleared of bushes and debris. Those who were not tombed, identification marks such as headboard were erected, and the site upkept.
Upkeeping the gravesites was a valued tradition passed down from generation to generation and considered taboo not to maintain and continue. Maintenance was done particularly during events such as death anniversaries, birthdays and special holidays. People have apparently become too busy living their daily lives, do not care anymore or no longer hold in esteem this valued tradition of maintenance and upkeep.
Cemeteries have become overgrown and forested and many are indiscernible from a distance. It would be sad if Guyanese have lost this sense of connection with departed loved ones and no longer consider it important to upkeep their resting place. Guyana stands apart from its regional counterparts and other countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and Canada where many Guyanese reside. Even the gravesites in the church yards are unkempt.
The Le Repentir Cemetery, which falls under the management of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, begs for urgent attention. While the Council is experiencing revenue shortfalls, and maintenance may not be considered priority, it is not unreasonable to expect living relatives to upkeep the tradition of maintaining the sites and immediate environs of departed loved ones. The Central Government could also partner with the City Council to maintain the cemetery. Its present decline is not only a reflection of those whose families are interred there but the leadership of the city and country.
Le Repentir Cemetery has historic uniqueness and can be promoted as a national treasure in Guyana’s tourism drive. This cemetery is not only the largest in the West Indies but the story behind it, though sad, is fascinating. It is a story of a duel between two French brothers and one was killed in the fight. De Saffon after killing his brother fled to Guyana and became a wealthy landowner. He established the Le Repentir (meaning repentance) cemetery as remorse for the murder of his sibling.
The Seven Ponds is another burial site of national interest. Situated in the Botanical Gardens it is the burial site of Guyana’s national heroes but has fallen into disrepair. The land around the ponds is soggy for want of better drainage and the ponds are unkempt. It should matter not which party is in government, running the City Council or who are interred there given our petty politics. What should matter is the fact that the Ponds is a national treasure, where Guyana’s national heroes are interred, and the area should be upkept as such.
Guyanese, via the media, can see how other countries upkeep their cemeteries during international events such as Armistice Day (Veteran’s Day) when they lay wreaths to the fallen. The cemeteries are well maintained, the lawns pruned. The imageries are not only aesthetically pleasing but communicate to others that those societies value their loved ones and the contributions they made. Such maintenance is not unique to military cemeteries but a general approach to the upkeep of cemeteries in those countries.
Guyana is such a beautiful country. There are so many promotional historical landmarks outside of Kaieteur Falls being the highest single drop waterfall in the world; St George’s Cathedral, the world’s tallest wooden building; and Arapaima, among the world’s largest freshwater fish. This is a land of six peoples with fascinating stories people will spend money to visit and experience.
Guyana has what it takes to be a prime tourist destination but if Guyanese do not care about, do not preserve our unique history and accomplishment tourists will not find us an attractive destination. Something should be done to fix the decay in the cemeteries. They have become eyesores and do not represent the best of who we are as a country and people.
