Seychelles gets first crematorium and private mortuary |12 August 2014

It is not in the Seychellois culture to burn the bodies of loved ones, as the Christian tradition has over the years imposed on us burial as opposed to cremation.

Only members of the Hindu faith or families of Indian origin have reverted to the method as it is customary in their beliefs.

However, there had never been a proper crematorium as unsuitable cremation sites had in the past been improvised on reclaimed land, successively at North East Point, Roche Caïman and lately Providence. At the same time, cemeteries are getting full and land for new ones has become scarce. Those were the raisons-d’être for the building of a modern crematorium.

In spite of the need, an unfortunately sad catalyst was needed for the building of a crematorium. When Vijay Patel, a prominent local businessman of Indian origin and managing director of Vijay Construction, suddenly lost his son, his company decided to team with another construction firm – Laxmanbhai Construction Company – to finance and build the new facility in favour of Padayachy’s Funeral Services.

The owners, Andrew Padayachy and his family, have even gained more than what they bargained for as the funeral services’ compound at Mont Fleuri is now not only equipped with a modern crematorium, but also with an attached mortuary which can keep 15 bodies at the same time.

Mr Padayachy has said that the private mortuary which is Seychelles’ first of its kind, and the funeral parlour will be opened to all, and not only to families bringing in their loved ones for cremation. For practical purposes the parlour is linked to the Mont Fleuri cemetery through a back gate.

Justly named after Mr Vijay’s son, the Surya Memorial Hall was officially opened yesterday afternoon in the presence of the Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton, leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly David Pierre, Assembly colleagues and other distinguished invitees.

It was Surya’s mother, Mrs Patel, and representatives of Vijay and Laxmanbhai construction companies, respectively Walter Labrosse and Nilesh Raghwane, who had the honour of unveiling the plaques to mark the opening of the building. Minister Meriton had earlier cut the ribbon to welcome the guests in.

Addressing them, the minister commanded the initiative which he said shows how private sector partnership can play a positive role in the development of the country. He added that even if a crematorium is sadly a place of disposal of loved ones, we must also take it as the celebration of a happy life.

Mr Padayachy addressing the gathering at the ceremony yesterday

“It is the soul that matters. The body is just a carrier. The minute we are born one thing is for sure, that we are going to die. Let us try to cherish the moments that give quality to our life and make it worth living. This occasion must inspire people to live a good and happy life to the fullest without abusing it,” he said.

As per tradition, the new facilities were blessed by Father David Alcindor and Deacon Louis Agathine of the Catholic Church and Anglican Reverend Christine Benoit.
 
The crematorium will be operational as from today where a first body, that of a German national, will be cremated. The cremation ceremony of a Seychellois, who has wished for the method as last journey, will be held tomorrow.