Strong Turnout for St. Catherine Parish Project

Scores of persons turned out to participate in the clean-up of the Barry and Lloyd Cemetery in Kitson Town, St. Catherine on Monday (May 25).

The Labour Day Parish Project, spearheaded by the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation, focused on the removal of overgrown shrubs and general cleaning.

Ground was also broken for the construction of sanitary facilities.

“Today, we are here to break ground for a sanitary convenience because when people attend funerals they need access to proper bathroom facilities,” said Chairman of the Corporation and Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott.

He said that the initiative forms part of the municipality’s broader effort to modernise and better manage cemetery spaces across the parish.

He noted that the cemetery’s size and growing use made it a priority for improvement works.

Mayor Scott said that the cemetery occupies approximately five acres and will eventually be operated in a manner similar to the Thetford Cemetery, where graves are systematically constructed and managed by the municipal authority.

In addition to the sanitary facilities, the Corporation intends to construct perimetre fencing and erect signage bearing the municipal corporation’s logo.

Plans are also in place for the development of a columbarium and sheltered areas to facilitate cremation-related services in the future.

Mayor Scott praised the strong turnout of residents, municipal staff, and volunteers from entities such as the Social Development Commission (SDC), noting that community participation is crucial to the project’s success.

He disclosed that another major cemetery project is being pursued in Thetford, where additional lands are expected to come on stream shortly.

Parish Manager for the SDC, Shana-Lee Archibald, welcomed the municipal corporation’s commitment to improving the cemetery’s condition, noting that the initiative demonstrated respect for the deceased while promoting civic pride among residents.

Councillor for the Red Hills Division, Michael Archer, for his part, said that the municipal corporation’s intervention at the Barry and Lloyd Cemetery, is a significant step towards improving burial services in the area.

He explained that before the council’s involvement, families often constructed graves without proper coordination, leaving the cemetery disorganised and difficult to maintain.

Councillor Archer said that the improvements to be undertaken, including the bathroom facilities, as well as erecting perimetre fencing, would greatly improve the experience for grieving families and visitors.

Labour Day 2026 was observed under the theme: ‘One People, One Purpose: In All Things, Jamaica Wins’.

Across the island, communities, schools, civic organisations and government agencies undertook projects focused on environmental improvement, beautification and community development.