The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is enforcing new guidelines regarding the size and design of tombstones allowed at public burial sites in Fiji. Following an assessment of land availability and the types of headstones currently in use, only standard headstones are now permitted.

According to FCS, individuals wishing to erect a tombstone for their loved ones must adhere strictly to these new design specifications. Details for the approved standard designs can be obtained from the Cemetery Office in Korovou. Effective immediately, the Cemetery Office will no longer accept any alternative designs for headstones.

This guideline aims to ensure uniformity among burial sites, improve the aesthetic of public cemeteries, and optimize land use due to spatial constraints. These changes highlight the FCS’s ongoing efforts to manage urban burial sites effectively and maintain the sanctity of these spaces amid increasing pressure on land resources.

In related developments, the FCS has also been advocating for a thorough review of the Burial and Cremation Act of 1911. The Act is considered outdated in addressing the realities of burial site management today, and the FCS has called on the government to prioritize its revision. This would further empower the FCS in its role of maintaining respectful burial practices while establishing clear responsibilities and needed resources amidst challenges such as vandalism and waste management at these sites.

Overall, these proactive measures by the FCS reflect a commitment not only to legal reform but also to preserving the dignity and order of burial practices in Fiji during a time of evolving societal needs.