The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

DOZENS of people gathered at R M Bailey Park on Majority Rule Day for what was billed as an “entertainment and education event” on the country’s natural resources, hosted by Bahamian Evolution. The group has organised several protests in recent months.

People were seen crowded together at the park, not maintaining the recommended six feet of distance. Many wore masks, but some had them pulled down to their chins or had taken them off altogether.

According to the group’s Facebook page, the event was supposed to be a “day of prayer and support for our natural resources”. Former talk show host Lincoln Bain, one of the organisers, was among those at the park.

Several speakers addressed the crowd, including Progressive Liberal Party Golden Isles member of Parliament Vaughn Miller, who was not wearing a mask when he spoke.

Earlier, some members of the group alleged that police were trying to “shut down the event” before it began. When The Tribune arrived around 2pm, police had blocked one of the park’s entrances. Eventually, officers allowed them on the park’s grounds and members were clearly spread out at the time.

However, later in the day, attendance grew and the crowd moved closer together.

When asked by reporters on Friday if he is generally pleased with the way that Bahamians are adhering to COVID-19 protocols, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he was pleased for the most part. However, he said he was still concerned with some events he had seen. He is expected to give a national address tonight.

When contacted last night, a police official could not comment on why the event was allowed to continue considering the crowd size and the violation of social distancing protocols.