The Tribune

By NOELLE NICOLLS

Tribune Features Editor

nnicolls@tribunemedia.net

THE funeral home with responsibility for the body of murder victim Noel Antonio Roker said he was interred at the Southern Cemetery two weeks ago, refuting claims that his body was found in an open grave on Friday.

Police reported finding a fully clad man in an open grave, after receiving reports that two men were seen disposing of a garbage bag in the cemetery.

Police sources said the body was that of the murder victim, a resident of Bain Town, nicknamed “Noey”. Family members confirmed they had been contacted by the Central Detective Unit about the matter, as police investigations were underway.

The funeral owner said he knew nothing of the incident and that his staff members were not authorised to go to the Southern Cemetery on Friday.

“My firm had nothing to do with the incident. We had no reason to go on Spikenard,” he said, threatening to take legal action if his reputation is besmirched. The owner said he is his own legal counsel, although his firm is domiciled at the law firm of Deputy Prime Minister “Brave” Davis.

“He was interred two weeks ago. Anything other than that was a fabrication,” he said.

In the wake of the incident that occurred on Friday, the United Funeral Directors Association of the Bahamas (UFDAB) released a statement, saying it was “deeply disturbed” by the reports.

“We further disregard any uncommon and unethical practices in the disposal of loved ones; we uphold that we must adhere to all ethical and professional practices,” said the statement.

The UFDAB said it welcomed the government to partner with it as it advocates for rules, regulations and standards to protect the general public and the industry at large.

“We have been requesting an audience with various governmental agencies to address and resolve issues in the industry in past years, and have not received the proper response to enact the guidelines to govern our profession,” said the statement.