The Le Repentir Redevelopment.

The Le Repentir Cemetery has been the final resting place for citizens of Georgetown over the years the massive facility encompasses some 103.508 acres. It was first established in 1861 and is the largest municipal burial site in Guyana. 

The Council created its final draft report of the Le Repentir Cemetery Expansion Master Plan in March 2019 which highlighted the need for a re-envisioned burial site which would be elevated to the status of a national memorial.

As Georgetown continues to develop we must re-examine the Le Repentir with the focus of it not only being a final resting place for our loved ones but also providing additional transportation connection routes through the cemetery. 

In the Council’s plan, enhanced revetment works will prevent the further degradation of the land which has resulted in tombs falling into the canals and others laying precariously. This will also upgrade the drainage infrastructure of the cemetery which will assist in providing relief for the surrounding areas. Space for benches and lighting to allow comfortable viewing and reflection is also allocated to add to the beautification effort. 

The redevelopment of Le Repentir will significantly contribute to the outlook of the city in a demonstration of the dignity with which our departed are treated rather than the current overgrown grounds which are rapidly running out of space. Without immediate intervention, the challenge of space and accessibility will force the suspension of burials at the cemetery.  

As we commemorate the Enmore Martyrs’ who are buried in the Le Repentir and noting the elevation of the burial site of Dr Walter Rodney to the status of a National Monument this is an opportune time to address the challenges of maintenance of the Cemetery.  

The Council remains willing to work with all stakeholders to develop by-laws and policies to promote the maintenance of the scenic beauty of a redeveloped Le Repentir. These policies will include the regularizing of headstones and memorials at grave sites to promote uniformity and maximize the use of space. 

Read more https://mccgt.com/documents/mcc-le-repentir-re-development-master-plan/