Mayor of St Ann’s Bay asks funeral homes to inform about burial grants

Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, is calling on funeral homes to take proactive steps to inform families about the availability of funeral grants for pensioners through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

During a recent community meeting in Ocho Rios, St Ann, he expressed concern that many families are unaware of “this crucial assistance”, which can significantly alleviate the financial burden associated with funeral expenses.

“Far too many individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one do not realise that they may be eligible for financial support from the government.

"This grant can provide much-needed relief during a difficult time, and it is imperative that we ensure this information reaches those who need it most,” he said.

The funeral grant, available to families of pensioners, is designed to assist with the costs of burying loved ones. Qualified persons have one year to submit a claim, which should not take longer than six months to be honoured.

Belnavis highlighted that this assistance, although offered after the funeral, sometimes goes unnoticed.

He emphasised that while the ministry has utilised various public education platforms to disseminate this information, the role of funeral homes is equally vital in ensuring that families are informed.

“We are talking about $140,000. It should be mandatory that all workers in funeral homes who interact with the public, impart this information as part of their job,” Belnavis argued.He acknowledged the efforts of some funeral homes that have already taken steps to inform their clients about the grant, but stressed the need for a consistent approach across the board.

“Funerals can be expensive and difficult. So any assistance that can be provided will surely be appreciated by grieving families,” Councillor Belnavis said.

He pointed out that with consistent messaging and support from funeral homes, more families would benefit from this essential service.

“Education is key. By making this information readily available, we can empower families to make informed decisions during one of the most challenging times in their lives,” the mayor noted.

Several residents are supporting the call by Councillor Belnavis, who is also Chairman of the St Ann Municipal Corporation.

“The mayor’s initiative aims, not only to reduce financial strain, but also to foster a sense of community care and support,” Ocho Rios businessman, Garfield Dussard, said.

Sandra Hamilton of Tower Isle, St Mary, who recently lost a loved one, said, “a lot of persons are unaware that the government offers this assistance… and nobody knows this better than the funeral homes.”

“In fairness, some have been making it a point of duty to inform the public, but we need all of them to be doing it,” she added.