Vandalism and theft in public cemeteries have emerged as a pressing issue, prompting authorities to call for more stringent penalties and alternative sentencing methods. Deputy Corrections Commissioner Auta Moceisuva of the Fiji Corrections Service noted that open access to cemeteries, particularly at Nasinu Cemetery, has led to increased drinking, vandalism, and significant damage to facilities, including toilets, barbed wire, and grave ornaments. The unsettling trend of flowers being stolen from graves further underscores the gravity of the situation.
Currently, the Burial and Cremation Act of 1911 imposes a mere $50 fine for offenses related to cemetery vandalism. However, proposed amendments seek to escalate this penalty to $1,000, reflecting the seriousness of the offenses. Moceisuva commented, “Supervision would be beneficial since we visit the graves daily, allowing officers to monitor the sites closely.”
Despite advocating for a higher fine, Moceisuva expressed concerns that many offenders are unemployed and incapable of paying such fines. As a viable solution, he recommended that courts leverage the Community Work Service Act to assign offenders to repair vandalized cemeteries under supervision, a move that would also facilitate accountability.
This proposed approach complements ongoing discussions regarding enhancing legal frameworks surrounding burial and cremation practices, including efforts led by the Raiwaqa Navua Crematorium Committee. The committee recently emphasized the urgent need to include offenses like vandalism and trespassing in the forthcoming Burial and Cremation Amendment Act 2025. Such legal enhancements aim to deter disturbances in public spaces and reaffirm the sacredness of cemeteries, which are often treated with less respect than places of worship.
The push for an updated legal framework reflects a broader commitment within Fiji to modernize end-of-life services, as evidenced by projects to establish gas crematoriums in various regions. Authorities believe that coordinated action, involving both the Corrections Service and the Parole Board, is critical for tackling vandalism effectively.
As these discussions unfold, it is essential to maintain public trust in cemeteries as respectful resting places. The proposed changes signify a hopeful move towards greater protection of sacred spaces, ensuring that they are treated with the dignity they deserve while being safeguarded against future misconduct.