Justice Chaitanya Laksman, representing the Raiwaqa (Navua) Crematorium Committee has called on lawmakers to incorporate cremation provisions directly into the Burial and Cremation [Amendment] Act 2025, rather than leaving them to ministerial regulations.
Speaking during submissions before the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights yesterday, Justice Laksman said cremation services were currently operating without clear legal recognition, creating uncertainty for committees tasked with managing crematoriums around the country.
“The current regulations only cover burial. They do not cover crematoriums,” he said.
“We need to put this in the Act itself. These are too important to be left to regulations, because regulations can be changed by the Minister. Let’s make this solid in law, not an afterthought.”
He said incorporating cremation provisions into the principal Act would give committees legal standing and ensure consistent standards in facility management, operations, and accountability.
“We must set the mechanism in place for future generations — proper management and continuity of these committees,” he said.
“What we need is formal recognition through the Ministry of Health, supported by law. That will strengthen how crematoriums are run and maintained over time.”
Justice Laksman revealed that the Raiwaqa (Navua) Crematorium Committee had already received specialized equipment from India through the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, but delays in establishing a proper legal and regulatory structure were slowing progress.
He urged the Committee to seize the opportunity presented by the 2025 amendments to modernize the country’s legal framework and remove ambiguity surrounding cremation management.
“This is the time to incorporate it into the Act,” he said.
“We all won’t be here forever, but if we set the law right now, future generations will have a proper system to follow.”
The Standing Committee continues to review submissions on the Burial and Cremation [Amendment] Bill 2025, which seeks to update and unify Fiji’s laws governing burial grounds and crematoriums.
