Taking Someone's Ashes to Jamaica

[My Looh]

A family member has expressed her wishes to me that after she dies she would like to be cremated. Following a funeral service up here in Canada she would like me to take her ashes back to Jamaica for a private burial.

Does anyone know if there is a proceedure for this or do I just include the ashes in with my normal luggage?

[kia027]

Information is on the last page of this pdf

http://www.embassyofjamaica.org/ja_citizens/general_guidelines.pdf

However I did hear a story about how someone had baked the remains of someone and sent it in a bun to Jamaica with a letter but the letter got separated from the bun and was found after the bun was eaten (just in case you want to be creative with the remains)....

[Peasie]

What an honor to do this for a relative

Here's what I did a few years ago:

1. Have this relative clearly write down what she wants you to do. She should sign it, have 3 notarized copies - 1 for you, 1 for next of kin, and 1 for her records.
2. Call the airline and find out what their policy is with transporting cremated remains. Usually they will tell you that if you have the ashes in your carry-on they cannot guarantee how airport security will handle that. So,
3. Pack the ashes in your suitcase
4. Make sure you have all the paperwork: death certificate and cremation certificate from the funeral home.
5. make copies of the above and put them in a clearly labeled envelope and attach it to the box with the ashes.
6. Carry the originals with you along with the notarized letter.
7. Do not bother with an expensive metal urn. If necessary, get that from a funeral home in Jamaica.
8. Have the ashes packed in a plain box appropriately labeled by the funeral home in Canada. The box must be able to be x-rayed.

Good luck!

[My Looh]

Thanks Kia and Peasie. This is a big help. I was affraid to make a promise I may not be able to keep. I will share yhis info with her.

[My Looh]

Kia, I think I'll pass on the bun idea, plus wouldn't the bun be way too dry to enjoy? LOL!