Make it make sense

As we have stated repeatedly over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the uneven application of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus in our communities has damaged trust in the competent authority and raised questions over whether the arbitrary rules are based on science or his insatiable desire to exert power over the people.

On New Providence, Paradise Island and mainland Abaco, weddings may still only be held with no more than 10 people, exclusive of the officiant, in a religious facility in accordance with the protocols established by The Bahamas Christian Council and approved by the Ministry of Health.

Graveside services may still only be held with a maximum of 10 people exclusive of the officiant and mortuary workers.

This means that many families continue to make the painful decision of who may attend the graveside funeral for loved ones. In larger families in particular, this rule has added to the distress and grief over their loss.

Earlier in the pandemic experience, the competent authority explained that the reason funerals may not be held in churches is because mourners tend to become emotional and embrace each other.

Under the current order, wedding receptions and funeral repasts are still prohibited as are memorial services or funeral or cremation services in a funeral home or chapel.

But church services are permitted to be held. 

As such, ordinations, baptisms and other services have taken place, some with obvious social distancing and others without. 

Numerous social media videos circulated recently showing packed churches for watch night services.

Yesterday, the Cabinet Office sent out a statement announcing that an Ecumenical Service commemorating 54 years of Majority Rule will be held next Monday at Grant’s Town Wesley Methodist Church on Baillou Hill Road. Those wishing to attend were advised of the social distancing protocol and asked to RSVP with the Cabinet Office by Friday.

On Sunday, the Royal Bahamas Police Force held a “church” service on the grounds of Police Headquarters on East Street with scores of people in attendance. Police officers were packed under tents with minimal spacing, although they wore masks.

Under one tent alone, we counted over 60 people. A photograph of that tent did not show the full tent, which means there were even more people there.

Under another tent, the police band played. We counted at least 40 officers — none wearing masks as they were playing various instruments. Again, the photograph sent by Bahamas Information Services did not show everyone under the tent.

We fail to see why it is illegal for 11 mask-wearing mourners to be gathered at a gravesite, yet it is perfectly acceptable for scores of police officers, not wearing masks, but blowing instruments to be gathered under one tent.

Under yet another tent at that same event were more than 10 religious leaders.

The governor general, the prime minister, the national security minister, the police commissioner, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force commodore, the prison head and other government and national security officials were all present. They were all wearing their masks.

We have no doubt that on Monday there will be a good crowd as well at the ecumenical service.

The government is determined to continue its various observances with as many people as it chooses. 

It cannot be right for families to be told there must be no more than 10 at a gravesite because they are more likely to spread or contract the coronavirus.

We take issue with the fact that neither the competent authority nor any other official has demonstrated why it makes sense to keep the restrictions in place for funerals and weddings yet permit large numbers in churches for other services, and at government and police events like the one held Sunday.

Telling us that mourners are just more likely to embrace is just not enough.

If 300 people are permitted to gather in a church for a Sunday service depending on the size of the edifice, then why can’t 30 wedding guests gather at that same church for a wedding, or 30 mourners for a funeral?

The Bahamas in recent weeks has seen a dramatic decline in COVID-19 cases, but Bahamians who follow local and international events know that we are far from returning to a state of normalcy.

As our authorities continue to manage our pandemic response in 2021, and as the competent authority continues to keep our civil liberties indefinitely suspended, we urge that greater effort be made to ensure decisions are making sense.

At it relates to these highlighted measures, a nonsensical approach has clearly been taken.

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