The Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights has proposed a significant increase in fines for burials conducted in unlicensed grounds, moving from the current fee of $200 to a substantial $5,000. This recommendation was made during a presentation of the scrutinized report on the Burial and Cremation (Amendment) Bill 2025 to Parliament on Wednesday.
Committee chairperson Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure emphasized that the amendment necessitates that all deceased individuals be interred solely in licensed burial grounds. The new regulations stipulate that anyone who buries a relative in an unlicensed area without the approval of the minister will face fines not exceeding $5,000.
Ratu Rakuita further indicated that there are several registered burial grounds across Fiji, including locations such as Kalabu, Nasinu, Narikoso, and Sigatoka, amongst others. He expressed the committee’s view that the Ministry of Health should take a proactive role in this initiative.
To this end, the committee recommends that the ministry encourage the formal registration of all burial grounds under the Act. Such measures aim to ensure compliance with licensing requirements, enhance the monitoring of maintenance standards, and provide a legal framework for addressing unsuitable burial sites.
The increase in fines and the focus on regulation reflect a move towards promoting better standards in burial practices, which could ultimately lead to improved public health and safety measures. This proactive stance may not only protect the dignity of the deceased but also ensure that families have access to guaranteed proper burial services.
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