Plans outlined to restore and prevent dumping and ‘tomb squatting’ at Le Repentir cemetery

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill on Monday threw his support behind a motion proposed by Opposition Parliamentarian, Volda Lawrence, to restore Georgetown’s Le Repentir Cemetery.

The historic burial ground, established in 1861, has long been a site of neglect and decay, but Edghill assured parliamentarians that the government is already taking steps to address these issues.

“I thank the Member for giving us this opportunity to discuss such an important subject,” Edghill said, acknowledging Lawrence’s motion.

He stressed that the government is neither unwilling nor unable to restore the cemetery, adding that beautification and enhancement plans are already in motion for cemeteries across Guyana.

Edghill highlighted ongoing works at Le Repentir Cemetery, including the installation of fencing to prevent illegal dumping and address the issue of “tomb squatting”. He also outlined a comprehensive plan for the cemetery’s restoration, which includes the construction of six main roads, 13 cross streets, and four footpaths.

“Don’t let anyone fool you,” Edghill said. “The government is way ahead in this process. There is no fight here. We already have the plan.”

However, Edghill raised concerns over some of the obstacles to the cemetery’s restoration, noting that certain tombs have been buried along roads, making it a sensitive issue to relocate them.

Despite this, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

A key point of contention during the exchange was Lawrence’s claim that the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), which is responsible for the cemetery, lacks the financial resources to undertake the necessary rehabilitation.

Edghill disagreed with this statement, pointing instead to the billions of dollars owed in unpaid taxes by Lawrence’s own party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R).

“If the PNC/R would pay their rates and taxes, City Hall would have the funds to do its work,” Edghill said.

In fact, he said if they paid just a fraction of the monies they owe, it would be enough for City Hall to fix the main roads, cross streets, and drainage around the cemetery.

Moments before and in what Edghill described as a well scripted presentation, Lawrence outlined the critical need for intervention at the cemetery. She referred to Le Repentir as a “sacred resting place” for many of Guyana’s forefathers, community leaders, and martyrs.

Yet, she painted a grim picture of the cemetery’s current state, describing it as an “ugly scene of neglect and decay,” a “haven for criminal activities,” and a dangerous environment for visitors.

Lawrence’s words echoed the frustrations of many Georgetown residents, who have witnessed the gradual decline of the cemetery over the years.

“Tombs have collapsed, there are no bridges, and it looks like a jungle,” she said, stressing that the cemetery’s conditions go beyond a municipal concern—it is a national issue.

Recognising the cemetery’s historical importance, Lawrence called for urgent intervention to restore its infrastructure, with particular emphasis on proper drainage systems.