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There is a thriving black market for almost everything in Jamaica. In one of the latest offers, The WEEKEND STAR reported that thugs have been selling used burial spots at the May Pen Cemetery.
<span style="font-weight: bold">According to the article, men have been selling the used spots for $4,000 to $8,000 while legitimate spots cost between $50,000 and $100,000</span>. It is clear that some Jamaicans are willing to cut any corner to make some money and not paying attention to repercussions of their actions.
It is sad that people are encouraging these criminals by purchasing the used grave spots.There are implications such as public-health dangers and criminal charges that can be brought against those selling and those buying the plots.
These problems are, in part, a consequence of the poor management of the cemetery. The large cemetery requires bushing, fencing and clearly some form of regulation. However, these measures have not been implemented in a clear and sustainable manner despite attempts to do so in the past.
If there was no motivation from the Government to address the cemetery in the past, they ought to be even more motivated to do something about it now because we cannot allow this black market to thrive and for the dead to be treated in this disrespectful manner. Also, what about those persons who legitimately purchased lots? They are entitled to get their money's worth.
This latest moneymaking activity also points out the difficulties police face in trying to put a dent in crime in Jamaica. When criminals can blatantly engage in such activities and Jamaicans knowingly support them, we are encouraging the criminals and putting ourselves at greater risk.
<span style="font-weight: bold">According to the article, men have been selling the used spots for $4,000 to $8,000 while legitimate spots cost between $50,000 and $100,000</span>. It is clear that some Jamaicans are willing to cut any corner to make some money and not paying attention to repercussions of their actions.
It is sad that people are encouraging these criminals by purchasing the used grave spots.There are implications such as public-health dangers and criminal charges that can be brought against those selling and those buying the plots.
These problems are, in part, a consequence of the poor management of the cemetery. The large cemetery requires bushing, fencing and clearly some form of regulation. However, these measures have not been implemented in a clear and sustainable manner despite attempts to do so in the past.
If there was no motivation from the Government to address the cemetery in the past, they ought to be even more motivated to do something about it now because we cannot allow this black market to thrive and for the dead to be treated in this disrespectful manner. Also, what about those persons who legitimately purchased lots? They are entitled to get their money's worth.
This latest moneymaking activity also points out the difficulties police face in trying to put a dent in crime in Jamaica. When criminals can blatantly engage in such activities and Jamaicans knowingly support them, we are encouraging the criminals and putting ourselves at greater risk.
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