The Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights has recommended raising the fine for burials in unlicensed grounds from $200 to $5000.
Presenting the scrutinised report on the Burial and Cremation (Amendment) Bill 2025 to Parliament on Wednesday, committee chairperson Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure stated that the amendment required all deceased persons to be buried only in licensed burial grounds.
“Anyone who buries a relative in an unlicensed burial ground without approval by the honourable minister is liable for a fine not exceeding $5000,” Ratu Rakuita said.
“In this case, the overall burial grounds in Fiji that are currently registered are Kalabu, Nasinu, Narikoso, Nasavusavu, Raiwaqa, Raralevu and Tabale, Sigatoka, Suva Military Cemetery, Suva, Nasinu, Vatuwaqa, Levuka, Vaturekuka, Varavu and Vuninokonoko.”
He said the committee, through its report, had recommended that the Ministry of Health adopt a proactive approach in this matter.
“In particular, the ministry should encourage all burial grounds to be formally registered under the Act whereby such registration will ensure compliance with licensing requirements, and enable effective monitoring of maintenance standards, and provide the necessary legal framework for addressing unsuitable sites.”
