Barbara Gayle, Staff Reporter

An environmental impact assessment draft report has cleared the operators of Delapenha's Funeral Home of alleged environmental breaches in relation to its cemetery at Burnt Ground, Hanover.

Independent experts, Environ-mental Management Consultants Ltd., reviewed the safety of the cemetery.

The review was ordered last year after the Minister of Local Government suspended work on the development of the cemetery.

"The result of the in-depth scientific study has now put it beyond doubt that not only did Delapenha's Funeral Home take into account and address all relevant considerations in commencing operations, but also that the National Environment and Planning Agency and the parish council were justified in granting the respective permits," attorney-at-law Jacqueline Samuels-Brown said in a statement.

She is representing the funeral home.

Top-class team

Seven highly skilled and internationally regarded experts, including Dr. Boyd Dent, world-renowned hydrologist, participated in the review.

Dr. Ravieya Burrowes, a local hydrologist and environmental management specialist, was also involved in the study.

Following the draft report, the experts scheduled meetings with the public to explain the results and to get their feedback.

Samuels-Brown disclosed that persons who in the past opposed the cemetery did not attend the meetings.

She said that there was a real need in the western region of Jamaica for the cemetery and the developers have given their assurance that they will remain committed to act within the law and with sensitivity to environ-mental issues.