Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:

The shortage of land space for burial in St. Catherine has now been eased with the acquisition of 25 acres of land near Church Pen in the parish.

This latest development has eased the problem which councillor for the area, Gerval Weir, has been talking about for several years.

He told The Gleaner that the land, which was the property of the Land Agency, was made available after several meetings, and that a survey which would cost $220,000 is now been conducted.

Mr. Weir said it was a long journey in getting the land. "I am certain that the effort that I have put in will be well rewarded, and finally, good sense has prevailed as for several years the Church Pen Cemetery has been out of space. So people can be more dignified now in burying their loved ones," he said.

Mr. Weir had, during several meetings of the St. Catherine Parish Council, raised the issue of the shortage of burial space in the parish. He had even walked out several times, saying he was frustrated with the long delay in getting the land, which was being used by a private individual.