The Secretary of the Tua Tua Cemetery has defended the newly established gas crematorium in Labasa, saying the facility was created to serve the wider community and provide families with greater choice, not to replace traditional cremation practices.
The response comes after Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj called for the immediate suspension and redesign of the crematorium, claiming its layout does not accommodate a Hindu ritual requiring the deceased’s head to face north during cremation.
Tua Tua Cemetery Secretary Jitendra Kumar said the gas crematorium is a public facility open to all communities and faiths.
“It is important to clarify that the Tua Tua Gas Crematorium is a public facility and is not established exclusively for the Hindu community,” Kumar said.
“The facility is open to all members of the public, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or cultural background, and provides an essential service to families throughout the Northern Division.”
Kumar said the facility has already been used by people from a range of religious backgrounds since opening.
“Since its opening, the crematorium has facilitated a total of 18 cremations. These include eight Sanatan cremations, where all religious rites were conducted by Sanatan priests, three Sikh cremations, four Christian cremations, and several others involving families of South Indian descent.”
“These figures demonstrate that the facility is serving a diverse range of communities and religious groups.”
He noted that the Tua Tua Gas Crematorium is currently the only gas cremation facility in the Northern Division and has been utilised by families from across Vanua Levu.
“Families from across Vanua Levu, including Savusavu, have utilised the facility for the cremation of their loved ones.”
Kumar also highlighted that traditional cremation options remain available for families who prefer them.
“It should also be noted that the traditional wood-fired crematorium remains fully operational and available for use.”
“Families who prefer traditional wood cremation practices, or who believe that the gas crematorium does not align with their personal or religious preferences, are welcome to use the existing facility.”
“Both options are available to accommodate the diverse needs of the community.”
Kumar stressed that the purpose of the project was to expand services rather than impose a particular form of cremation.
“The intention behind the establishment of the gas crematorium was to provide an additional service and greater choice for families, not to replace traditional practices or impose any particular method of cremation on any religious group.”
He also took aim at Maharaj’s criticism of the facility.
“I urge Mr. Alvick Maharaj to stop playing politics with issues relating to faith, culture, and community services.”
