The Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights has proposed a noteworthy amendment to the Burial and Cremation (Amendment) Bill 2025. This amendment suggests a substantial increase in fines for burials conducted in unlicensed areas, raising the penalty from $200 to $5,000. The report was presented to Parliament on Wednesday by committee chairperson Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure.
Ratu Rakuita highlighted the necessity for all deceased individuals to be interred in licensed burial grounds, stating, “Anyone who buries a relative in an unlicensed burial ground without approval by the honorable minister is liable for a fine not exceeding $5,000.”
Currently, Fiji’s licensed burial sites include a number of locations such as Kalabu, Nasinu, Narikoso, Nasavusavu, Raiwaqa, Raralevu, Tabale, Sigatoka, and the Suva Military Cemetery, among others in Suva and Levuka.
The committee chairperson has urged the Ministry of Health to take decisive action by ensuring that all burial grounds are formally registered under the Act. This registration is not only crucial for compliance with licensing requirements but also essential for the ongoing monitoring of maintenance standards. Establishing such a legal framework is necessary for addressing inadequacies in burial sites.
The proposed amendments signify a strong commitment to public health and safety, aiming to elevate burial practices throughout Fiji. By implementing stricter regulations, the legislation aspires to enhance standards for burial grounds, ultimately benefiting community well-being and fostering a safer environment for all.