Funeral home operators contracted by the Government to carry out pauper burials say they are owed in excess of $25 million, but the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine (IFSLM), which has been fingered for blame, says that funding is not within its mandate.

The contractors say the outstanding payments date as far back as 2017.

Director of Lyn’s Funeral Home, Calvin Lyn, said he has been having issues securing payment for unclaimed remains for the last three years. Like others in the business, his patience is wearing thin.

Lyn said that he was aware of at least eight other contractors who are owed.

“It is unacceptable that we perform these duties and they take so long to pay us,” he told The Gleaner in an interview.

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