Burial Industry Leaders Encouraged to Pursue CVQ Level Three Certification

Managers and supervisors in the burial industry are being encouraged to acquire the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level Three Certification in Interment Operations.

Developed and administered exclusively by the Kevoy Community Development Institute (KCDI) Jamaica, the programme covers essential areas, including grave preparation, health and safety, handling and transport of remains, cultural awareness and sensitivity, and post-disaster recovery protocols.

It is offered in Jamaica through a strategic partnership with the HEART/NSTA Trust.

KCDI Executive Chairman, Dr. Donovan McLaren, told JIS News that the programme will be beneficial to internment site managers and supervisors seeking employment in both the private and public sectors.

“The municipalities manage or own their own grave sites. Municipalities would have employed grave diggers, directly or indirectly, and somebody to manage the properties. In the private sector, they have what we call superintendents and managers for these properties… [such as] the large cemeteries in St. Catherine.

“You [would] notice when you go to these spaces, [that] they’re immaculately kept. It’s a strategic plan to ensure that it appeals to the mourners when they come in and it eases the stress,” he said.

Dr. McLaren further noted that trained professionals serving at the managerial level within the global funeral industry play a pivotal role in ensuring the sector’s long-term viability.

“Right across the world there are managers and superintendents to ensure that the work is done professionally and meets all the regulatory requirements of the respective laws… and of course, ensure that the property generates a revenue stream to remain profitable,” he stated.

The CVQ Level Three Certification in Interment Operations is the first of its kind in the region and is offered through accredited training and certification bodies such as the HEART/NSTA Trust.

Dr. McLaren pointed out that broad uptake of the programme in Jamaica could lead to increased regional interest and adoption.

“HEART/NSTA Trust is a government State entity, so I do believe it will dovetail further in the Caribbean because they are not as robust as us in regard to doing pioneering items. I do believe if they see Jamaica is doing it, like so many other things, they will quickly move on board, especially when their populace now starts to ask for it, when they have seen that Jamaica has advertised this,” he said.

The course forms part of a broader suite of programmes offered up to Level Four by the HEART/NSTA Trust, all provided at no cost to participants, with no tuition or administrative fees.

Interested individuals may contact KCDI Jamaica at (876) 792-4196 or (876) 373-5860, or email info@kcdijamaica.org for further information.