The funerary activities in Jamaica have been reeling from the effects
of COVID-19 since its onset. Jamaicans were accustomed to visiting wakes and
funerals in large numbers, but government policies have placed severe restrictions
on large gatherings like wakes and funerals because of the pandemic. This article
focusses on new trends in the funeral industry prior to COVID-19: the development
of wake bands and the role the funeral parlours played. It also assesses the impact