Residents of Oropouche and councillors from the Siparia Regional Corporation braved heavy rains yesterday to ensure that cremations continue at the Shore of Peace.
A group of about 50 people gathered at the site which has been an issue of contention since a prominent South family placed ads in daily newspapers warning the public that from May 1 access would be restricted.
The family said alternative arrangements should be made for cremation activities as “entry onto the site will be deemed a trespass which may result in legal proceedings against such person or persons.”
However, when the T&T Guardian visited the site at around 11 am, three funeral pyres had been set up and scores of mourners waiting for funeral hearses were present.
Councillor Rajwantee Bullock said: “We came out here to see whether such a threat would be carried out because we believe this site, which has been used for decades, is a very special place; a very spiritual place. We stand firm that nobody can prevent cremations from taking place here.”
Bullock said the family claiming ownership of the site has also displaced hundreds of residents from the Providence estate in Oropouche. Bullock called on Attorney General Faris Al Rawi to intervene, saying the issue involves more that the cremation site.
“We want proper searches to be conducted to ensure that the true owners of these lands are established. If it is state lands, give it to the people who have been living on it for decades. Give the cremation site back to the people.”
Pundit Ranveer Maharaj joined in the protest, condemning attempts to block cremations on the site.
“If indeed they are the owners and they have legal rights, they should approach the situation in a much better way,” he said.
The protestors said they plan to return to the site every morning over the coming days to ensure it is not closed off to the public.