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RM De Souza Funeral Home has expanded its operations with the opening of a new crematorium facility in Diego Martin, marking a major investment in West Trinidad and broadening the range of end-of-life services available to families.
The locally owned business, which has operated in the Diego Martin community for more than 14 years, officially launched the purpose-built facility this week during a ceremony attended by community leaders, clergy, clients, business associates, family members and residents.
The expansion gives families greater access to cremation services within their own community and strengthens the company’s position as a full-service memorial provider.
Owner Sharon De Souza said the investment reflects the company’s continued commitment to serving families with compassion and dignity.
“For more than 14 years, RM De Souza Funeral Home has proudly served families throughout Diego Martin and across Trinidad and Tobago. This new crematorium represents our continued commitment to providing compassionate, professional and dignified care while ensuring families have greater access to the services they need, close to home,” she said.
She said the expansion comes at a time when the demand for accessible cremation services has become increasingly important and will provide residents with additional options without having to travel outside the area.
The new facility also carries deep personal significance for the De Souza family.
De Souza paid tribute to her late son, Bevan De Souza, whose vision helped inspire the development of the crematorium.
“Although Bevan is no longer with us, his dream lives on through this facility. Every family we serve here will become part of the legacy he hoped to create,” she said.
Environmental engineer and chief executive officer of Ecoengineering Consultants Limited, George Sammy, described the project as an important investment in community infrastructure.
“This facility represents an important investment in community infrastructure. It demonstrates how responsible development can expand essential services while meeting environmental standards and supporting the needs of families throughout the region,” he said.
Among those attending the opening were Patrice St Hillaire from the Office of the Member of Parliament for Diego Martin West, Marcia Marslin and Richard Maynard of the Diego Martin Borough Corporation, and Fr Matthew and Fr Pierre of St Finbar Parish.
The new crematorium is the latest step in the company’s growth from a traditional funeral home into a comprehensive memorial services provider. Over the past 14 years, RM De Souza Funeral Home has expanded its offerings to include funeral arrangements, memorial chapel facilities, repass services, memorial planning and crematorium services, allowing families to access a complete range of services under one roof.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests toured the new state-of-the-art facility and met with members of the RM De Souza Funeral Home team.
The company said the investment will provide greater convenience for residents while supporting the continued economic and social development of the Diego Martin community.
As the business enters its next phase, De Souza said the company remains committed to the values that have guided it since its establishment: compassion, professionalism, dignity and community service.
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