Brian Bonitto, Gleaner Editor

HERE TODAY, gone tomorrow. What then?

That's when the party begins, as 52 per cent of Jamaicans are expecting a grand time up in heaven in the afterlife, according to a Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll.

But for Tommy Thompson, owner of Brite Lite Funeral Service and Supplies, the party should begin here on earth.

"One should celebrate death," said Mr. Thompson, who is known for his trendy 'send-offs'. He believes it is his role to try to keep everyone in 'high spirits' at such events.

"I try to take away some of the sorrow and transform the (funeral) setting into a celebratory one," he said.

And, as any party goer knows, appearance matters.

"A funeral is the last big occasion on earth for a friend or loved one, wouldn't you dress up for the occasion?" asked Ferdinand Madden, Jr., respected veteran mortician.

Both Ferdinad Madden, Jr and Tommy Thompson agree that appearance for the last rites would depend on financial position, social environment and status.

And where is heaven?

"Wherever God is," said Mr. Thompson.

So, is there heaven in this life?

Heaven is a state of spiritual well-being ... It is peace, love, joy, happiness and health ," said Mr. Madden.

But not all Jamaicans are sold on the idea of a heaven-bound train as five per cent of the 1,008 respondents believe there is no such destination.

On the other hand, hell is not an option for another 10 per cent who dismisses the notion of a place where sinners will spend eternity in fire and brimstone.

Jehovah's Witnesses share this belief. They see heaven as the abode of God (Jehovah) and his angels. They contend that humans were made to reside on this earth ­ not in heaven. And, only a selected few - 144,000 - will make it through the pearly gates. As for burning in hell fire, they dismiss the claim, stating that the punishment for sinners is death.

For Mr. Madden, hell can be an every-day experience.

"Such negatives as unhappiness, hatred, sickness and stresses of life can be hell on earth," he said.

A total of 61 per cent of respondents in the May 13-14 poll, with a plus or minus three margin of error, believe in the afterlife and despite the location debate, they all hope that when life is over, they'll 'fly away' to a better place.