In 2014 my father passed away suddenly and my family had to deal with all that was involved with planning a funeral. It was then I realized that there are limited burial alternatives or options in Jamaica.
Traditional burial in Jamaica, usually involves a church ceremony followed by a grave burial. This concentration on traditional burial has causes a lack of land space for cemeteries in Jamaica. The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), in a 2019 article encouraged Jamaicans to explore alternate burial options to honor their loved ones.
The method of cremation is gaining popularity not only international, but also here in Jamaica. The ashes from cremation (cremains) can be used in various unique ways. Cremains can be scattered in special locations, buried or stored in a colombarium, planted with trees, turned into diamonds, infused into jewelry and art pieces (sculptures and paintings).
For the last 8 years I have been exploring these options.
My dream for Jamaica is to have memory gardens, forest and parks in every parish. A green space dedicated to living memories of our loved ones. Memories in the form of trees and plants, grown with the cremains of our friends and family members. Sculptures infused with cremains. A park where I can go with my children and celebrate generations gone and life to come.
This dream is a work in process, until then Ashes to Ashes is committed to providing eco-friendly burial options to Jamaicans to create Beauty from Ashes.