CABINET NOTES: With the approval of a local cremation service in Antigua and Barbuda, the Ministry for Health, Wellness and the Environment sought and received Cabinet’s approval for the establishment of a number of rules to guide the management of cremation in Antigua and Barbuda.In short, the rules outline the following:

Approval & Registration: Crematoria must be approved by the Minister and registered with the Central Board of Health; embalmers must be licensed. Annual inspections and fees are required.

Medical Certification: A valid death certificate is mandatory; coroners may intervene for sudden or unexplained deaths.

Application & Authorization: Family or authorized persons apply; the Central Board of Health grants permission for cremation.

Cremation Process: Identity verification, removal of medical implants, and proper handling of medical/metal residues are required. Separate cremation for individuals unless special cases apply.

Ash Disposal: Ashes may be returned to applicants or stored in a columbarium; unclaimed ashes require notification. A register of all cremations must be maintained, and official authorization is required for interment in cemeteries or other disposal methods.

Here is a more detailed explanation of the essential procedures and regulatory requirements:

1. Crematorium Establishment and Operation

The Minister, advised by the Chief Health Inspector, can approve sites for cremation.

Crematoria must be registered with the Central Board of Health before operation.

Regulations cover construction, management, annual registration, and inspection (between January and March) with associated fees.

Embalmers must be licensed under the Public Health Act.

The Central Board of Health can close a crematorium for sanitary breaches or expired registration/licensing.

2. Medical Certification and Notification

Applicants must provide personal details (name, relationship, contact info, proof of identity) and a valid death certificate in English with cause of death and other key details.

Coroners are involved in cases of sudden or unexplained death.

Shipping cremated remains requires certified documents, embalmer’s affidavit, a letter confirming non-contagious disease, and proof of deceased’s citizenship.

3. Application and Authorisation

Family members or authorized persons apply for cremation.

The Central Board of Health grants formal authorization for cremation as a method of disposal.

4. Cremation Process and Documentation

The identity of the deceased must be verified; identification markers remain with the body throughout cremation.

Separate cremation for each individual, except in special cases (e.g., mother and child, twins) if requested.

Removal of medical devices/implants before cremation.

Metal residues and medical waste are managed according to Ministry of Health protocols.

A waste management plan must always be maintained.

5. Disposal of Ash

Ashes may be returned to the applicant or stored in a columbarium if uncollected.

The authority must notify applicants via registered letter if ashes remain unclaimed after a period (two weeks).

A register of all cremations must be maintained.

Central Board of Health authorization is required for interment in public cemeteries or other disposal methods.