Health authorities are calling on relatives of several deceased persons to claim their loved ones’ remains by Friday, 21 November 2025, or face government-arranged burials in a public cemetery.
In a statement, the Office of the Chief Health Inspector said the unclaimed bodies are currently being held at Barnes Funeral Home and Straffie’s Funeral Home.
Families are advised to contact the funeral homes immediately to arrange private burials. Officials warned that once public interments take place, no legal claims can be made afterwards.
At Barnes Funeral Home, the remains of Isaac Roacher remain unclaimed. Relatives are asked to contact Jessica Barnes at 462-1037.
Straffie’s Funeral Home is holding the bodies of Purcell Hamilton (died 2 February 2025), Sylvester Hunte (29 April 2025), and Richard Farara (29 August 2025). Families should contact Leigh Ferrance at 462-0575 or 462-2954.
Authorities stressed that the deadline will be strictly enforced to ensure dignified handling of the deceased.
