Site visit -Thetford Interment Park
A team from the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation lead by Chairman and Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott on Monday June 05, 2017, visited the soon-to-come Thetford Interment Park in Church Pen, Old Harbour.
Deputy Chief Engineering Officer Mr. Romond Fisher, Councillor Owen Palmer,
Acting Business Development Officer Ms. Althea Matthews, Councillor Mark O'Connor, Councillor for the Church Pen Division and Executive Secretary Mrs. Marcia Reid were a part of the group.
Purpose of the site Visit
The purpose of the visit was to make general observations and to tie up some in house matters concerning the readiness of the Cemetery for commencement of burials hopefully by August of this year.
The Acting Business Development Officer had on hand the site plan of the burial development which was used to guide discussions and planning as the team looked at the spatial aspects of burials on the land.
General Observations
- From an external view the chapel is complete and painted with basic coating
- Entire interior (including restrooms/office) need aspects of fixtures, tiling and painting
- The roadway leading to the premises is covered with river shingle. Soon to be paved with the appropriate surface material.
- Water is available on the premises and electrical works is ongoing on the chapel
- There is need for bushing and clearing of the premises and rubble in some areas need to be cleared.
- Numerous animals (cows and goats) were seen grazing all over the premises
What needs to be done in the short term
- Animals to be prohibited from entering the premises
- Planting (grass and non-ornamental trees)
- Suitable surfacing of the path leading to the premises
- Painting (exterior and interior of the chapel)
- Installation of fixtures and fittings inside the chapel
- Erection of sign on the main road leading to the cemetery depicting “Coming Soon – Thetford Interment Park”
Outcome of the site visit
According to the Mayor, and based on observations, much still needs to be done to get this longstanding project off the ground once and for all. He said all that is necessary will be put in place in order that the first burial on the premises will be realized no later than August 2017.
He said whilst the cemetery will be making revenue for the Corporation, its main purpose is to offer and provide top quality service to all communities within the parish.
The Roads and Works Department continues to manage and supervise the works on the premises.
View of the Chapel
Chapel
Mayor Scott , Councillor Palmer, Deputy Superintendent Fisher and Acting Business Development Officer Ms Althea Matthews
