Vandalism and theft in public cemeteries have become increasingly concerning, prompting calls for stricter penalties and alternative sentencing methods to tackle this issue. Deputy Corrections Commissioner Auta Moceisuva from the Fiji Corrections Service emphasized that the open access to cemeteries, especially at Nasinu Cemetery, has led to a surge in drinking, vandalism, and significant damage to facilities such as toilets, barbed wire, and grave ornaments. The alarming trend of flower theft from graves further highlights the pressing nature of these offenses.
Under the current Burial and Cremation Act of 1911, the penalty for cemetery vandalism is a modest $50 fine. However, proposed amendments aim to increase this fine to $1,000, reflecting the seriousness of these violations. Moceisuva noted that enhanced supervision of these sites would be beneficial, as officers could monitor the graves regularly.
While advocating for higher fines, Moceisuva raised concerns that many offenders are unemployed and may struggle to pay such penalties. To address this, he suggested using the Community Work Service Act, allowing courts to assign offenders to repair vandalized cemetery areas under supervision, thereby promoting accountability.
This proposed strategy aligns with ongoing discussions on improving legal frameworks surrounding burial and cremation practices, led by the Raiwaqa Navua Crematorium Committee. The committee has stressed the need to incorporate offenses such as vandalism and trespassing in the upcoming Burial and Cremation Amendment Act 2025. These legal enhancements aim to deter disruptions in public places and reinforce the sacredness of cemeteries, which should be honored similarly to places of worship.
The movement towards updating these laws reflects a broader commitment within Fiji to modernizing end-of-life services, which includes initiatives to establish gas crematoriums in multiple regions. Authorities assert that coordinated efforts between the Corrections Service and the Parole Board are crucial in effectively addressing vandalism.
As these discussions progress, maintaining public confidence in cemeteries as respectful resting places is essential. The proposed changes represent a hopeful effort to enhance the protection of sacred sites, ensuring they are treated with the dignity they deserve and safeguarded against future acts of misconduct.