WATCH: "Insensitive" Bellozanne mortuary location defended

Tuesday 21 April 2020

Officials have explained to islanders the rationale for building a temporary mortuary at Bellozanne, after some criticised the "insensitivity" of the location.

Based at the junction of Ruelle Vaucluse and Rue Fliquet in Bellozanne Valley, the mortuary - which has been given the official title of ‘the Sanctum’ - was opened last week, and blessed by faith leaders.

The temporary facility is only to be used in the event of a ‘worst case scenario’ if the island’s current morgues become overwhelmed as deaths rise due to covid-19.

Since its opening was announced on Friday, some islanders have expressed upset that the Sanctum being sited in an area closely associated with waste disposal and treatment. 

Video: Faith leaders blessing the Sanctum at Bellozanne on Friday.

Some took to social media to hit out at the decision, branding it “heartless”, “appalling” and “insensitive”. 

When Express raised their concerns with the Chief Minister during a press conference yesterday, he said that the issue “hadn’t crossed my mind”. 

Senator Le Fondré added that he “wasn’t party” to the site selection process, adding: “That’s a level of operational detail I try not to get into.”

He continued: “I can’t give you the full rationale behind it – I think it will have been around the ability to get what is basically a cold facility in place.

"Again, this is one of the measures we really hope we don’t need to need, but we’ve had to think about all events in preparing for the worst. There is absolutely no reference to the fact of the purposes of Bellozanne.

“I suspect it may well have been a location that was in States’ ownership, was vacant… and it was therefore able to be used very urgently.” 

Video: The Chief Minister said he hadn't been involved in choosing the Sanctum's location during a press conference yesterday.

He went on to pledge: “Irrespective of where it is we can absolutely assure everyone that everyone will be dealt with and looked after in as sensitive a way as is humanly possible.”

A spokeperson emphasised: “It is not at the waste disposal site, which is lower down the valley.” 

They continued: “The site was chosen as it has good access for vehicles and is remote from other buildings.  The building has an appropriate footprint, built in refrigeration units, with other storage facilities nearby. 

“The Sanctum has been professionally cleaned and refurbished for the appropriate and professional storage of the deceased. Office and welfare provision will be available for those working there, and the facility will be run by Undertaker and Hospital Mortuary Staff.”