Burial costs are burden on grieving
DEATH is an emotional issue. It is a time for grieving, for memories and for coming to terms with the loss of a loved one. It is frequently one of the most testing experiences of life.
DEATH is an emotional issue. It is a time for grieving, for memories and for coming to terms with the loss of a loved one. It is frequently one of the most testing experiences of life.
Regrettably - and inevitably - at the very time that people need all their strength to cope with loss, an extra burden is placed on them. For the financial implications of death arrive all too quickly on its heels. Wills needs to be read, executors appointed, outstanding bills paid, bank accounts closed, bequests made.
Funeral arrangements and costs are all part of that. Despite the best efforts of the island's excellent funeral directors, it is inevitable that relatives of the deceased will worry about how to pay for a fitting tribute.
How much will the coffin cost? Should there be a wake afterwards? What sort of floral tribute is suitable?
Not everybody will die leaving sufficient money to provide a fitting service. Many families will struggle to cope with the financial burden at a time when they are already looking to the future with trepidation, perhaps after the loss of a bread-winner.
It is in that context that the decision to increase the cost of a plot at Le Foulon from £219 to £2,000 in just two years and raise burial fees sixfold to £1,700 is certain to distress many grieving families.
Regardless of any help available from the States - and some families will be too proud to ask for it - it is a massive increase.
The intention, in part it seems, is to persuade islanders to embrace cremation more fully. That is a more economical use of the island's precious land resources.
If so, it is a dubious piece of social engineering. How - and where - people want to be buried is more fundamental than simple cost.
It is very important to most how they will end their days and this change is callous in the way it ignores islanders' last wishes and very poorly consulted.
Perhaps worse, the States 'we don't want you here' approach makes burial the problem of the other parishes and must be reconsidered.
