Grenada’s Ministry of Health has implemented specific measures to keep citizens safe before, during, and after funerals.
The first part of memorial service within churches is not permitted. Health protocols also prohibit burials having more than 20 people in attendance. Only a minimum of 2 people can officially identify the remains of the deceased before the coffin is sealed. Gatherings of persons from different households are discouraged, disrupting traditions such as third-night prayers and visits to the homes of the bereaved to console.
Because of these repercussions and more, Central Health-Grenada is highlighting how these multiple layers cause trauma through a new October Series entitled “Grief, Grenada & Covid,” as the death of a loved one during these ‘covidious’ times can cause additional levels of emotional stress.
The first 2 installments of Grief, Grenada & Covid lean on Bishop Clyde Harvey Roman Catholic Diocese of St George’s in Grenada and Rev. Gerard Keens-Douglas, Senior Pastor of St George’s Evangelical Church and Moderator for ECWI – Grenada, for advice. Spiritual leaders play a significant role in helping persons cope during types of crises. This strategy is recognised and encouraged by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In a 2020 Interim Guidance entitled, Practical considerations and recommendations for religious leaders and faith-based communities in the context of Covid-19: interim guidance, 7 April 2020 (who.int) there is a subsection that focuses on safe burial practices. Within that portion, it states, “Faith leaders can help grieving families to ensure that their departed loved ones receive respectful, appropriate funerals and burial rites, even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.” The document not only recognises that mourners should be shown respect but also included, “If the family of the deceased wishes to view the body after its removal from the medical facility where the family member has died, they may be allowed to do so, in accordance with local physical distancing restriction, with no touching or kissing of the body and thorough handwashing before and after viewing.”
Bishop Clyde Harvey answers to questions:
- How is a person supposed to wrap their mind around what has happened, plus missing the usual funeral process?
- Any final words of comfort for those who are experiencing loss?
Rev. Gerard Keens-Douglas responds to:
- The impact of the protocols on the grieving process.
- Request for words of comfort for those who are grieving.
Central Health-Grenada extends condolences to families who have lost someone due to Covid or other causes. It is the hope this October series can help someone.
Central Health-Grenada is a grassroots initiative. Its purpose is to educate nationals about chronic non-communicable diseases. As Covid-19 has devastating effects on persons with pre-existing conditions, Central Health-Grenada felt it important to highlight its impact on those most at risk.
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My body, my choice.
Good my beautiful Grenada. My body my choice, stay strong.
It is beyond sad to see Grenada brought to its knees by a virus that the Grenadians are NOT taking seriously. From the dismal vaccine percent it shows that Grenada needs formal science lessons . Basis level stuff so that the islanders can understand what they are doing and have done to their country and their people. Medical help in the hospital will NOT save the island – ONLY vaccines and NOW will help…. So lets think rationally and do the right thing . Lock up the skeptics in Richmond Hill
Well said CM, brilliant way to put it. Not only is the dismal lack of vaccine uptake killing the islanders, it’s killing the tourist industry Grenada needs. People simply aren’t going to come, with a health system on its knees & rampant virus spreading everywhere. I agree, lock up the antivaxxer sceptics. If they are Grenadians can’t they see why the country is such a mess? There was time to get vaccinated before the party animals set off the covid bomb. Too late to stop it now but not too late to get the road to recovery built by getting protected. We need 80% of the population vaccinated fast if it’s going to get anywhere near back to normal.