After almost a decade of waiting, the Muslim community in Chaguanas has received the title to a second cemetery in the area.
Minister of Land and Legal Affairs, Saddam Hosein, handed over a piece of land to the Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association (ASJA) in Chaguanas for a Muslim cemetery.
At the handing over ceremony on Thursday, Minister Hosein urged the body to make good use of the land.
“This will be, in fact, the second Muslim cemetery in the Borough. The first being Munroe Road and now the Chaguanas Muslim Cemetery and I challenge the ASJA, don’t let this just be a piece of land. Let it be a facility for everyone.”
Mayor of Chaguanas, Faaiq Mohammed, highlighted the importance of the cemetery to the community.
“Chaguanas is home to a large and vibrant Muslim population. We have over 15 masjids serving our communities, guiding our people and strengthening faith. And as a Muslim myself, this moment is personal, and I am very proud of this moment because a cemetery is just not land, it’s dignity. It’s respect.”
Noting that since 2004 the organisation has sought the legal title to the land, Minister Hosein said his Ministry will ensure those who are waiting on their title deeds will receive them.
“That is why today I could stand here and boast that after waiting 23 years, Caroni workers are receiving their leases. Eight hundred of them would have received their leases. We have other persons who are awaiting the renewal of leases, State grants and so on from the Commissioner of State Lands’ office. In very short order, we have about 120 beneficiaries that would also receive the title to their lands.”
Muslim burial rites prioritise speed, simplicity, and dignity, usually occurring within 24 hours of death. The body is bathed and shrouded in a simple white cloth before burial, usually without a casket and facing Mecca.