Ex-PM hits out at funeral restrictions

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said yesterday it was “wrong and inconsiderate” that the government did not allow former Cabinet minister Darrell Rolle’s funeral to take place in a church.

“I am very disappointed that the government has not allowed Darrell Rolle’s funeral to be held in a church. He gave distinguished service to The Bahamas over many years,” said Ingraham outside the House of Assembly, where Rolle’s body was lying in state.

“In fact, his first election in 1971 helped to change the course of history in this country because it was a time when the Free PLP ran and the UBP ran and after the election results came out they were able to get together and form the FNM.

“And so, I think it was very wrong and very inconsiderate of the government not to permit former minister Darrell Rolle’s funeral to be held in a church, St. John’s Church, where he attended.

“That’s all I want to say.”

Rolle died on October 13 at age 78.

A native of Andros, he was elected to the House of Assembly as the MP for Mangrove Cay in 1971.

He served in the House of Assembly until his retirement in 1997.

Rolle held several Cabinet portfolios, including minister of labor, minister of national security, minister of education and culture, minister of transport and minister of home affairs during his time in government.

While Ingraham said he did not want to involve himself in any controversy over the emergency orders, he is not the first person to have raised concerns over funeral restrictions, which many say are causing unnecessary heartache for those who have lost loved ones.

The COVID-19 emergency orders currently restrict funerals on Abaco and New Providence, allowing only graveside services with 10 or fewer attendants. While weddings may take place in religious facilities, they are limited to 10 attendants or fewer.

However, church services are allowed to take place during weekend lockdowns with social distancing.

When asked during a press conference last week why funerals are not permitted inside churches, while regular church services are permitted, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said there is a “greater risk of socialization” during funerals.

“Individuals can sometimes, through the experience of bereavement, cry and display their sadness over the dead and embrace each other and shout, scream, arms in the air, socialize, embracement and individuals have to be taken away,” he said.

“So, there’s a greater risk of socialization with a funeral than what you just mentioned.”

Rolle’s funeral is scheduled for today at Lakeview Memorial Gardens. 

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/ex-pm-hits-out-at-funeral-restrictions/