The public has until Friday to comment on a proposal to designate the Tucker’s Town cemetery a historic monument.

Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy announced at the end of last month that he had recommended the site be deemed Grade HM, a Historic Monument Listed Building, following concerns about the desecration of the tombstones.

The public consultation period ends on Friday, the Department of Planning reminded residents.

The cemetery is already a Historic Protection Area under the Bermuda Plan 2008, the Ministry said.

The listing designation would not offer more protection than it now enjoys but would make the site exempt from future planning fees and the Ministry’s interest-free loan scheme would be available for repair and maintenance.

The Royal Gazette reported last month that a group of concerned residents had asked police to investigate the desecration of the historic cemetery.

It has also been the subject of an inquiry by the Ombudsman, which resulted in a highly critical report published in January this year.

The public can send comments to the Permanent Secretary (Home Affairs), c/o Forward Planning, Department of Planning, Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building, 5th Floor, 58 Court Street, Hamilton HM 12.