The father of National Security Minister Marvin Dames was laid to rest on Tuesday two months after his death.
Though the latest Emergency Order, released on Monday, dictates that a graveside service or internment may be held with no more than 10 people, excluding officiants and funeral service workers, today’s burial far exceeded that number with over a dozen police officers and more than 30 family members in attendance.
The National Security Minister’s failure to follow the rules was a slap in the face of many Bahamians who have lost family members since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March but were unable to attend their funeral or burial due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Also in attendance was step-grandson of the deceased St. Barnabas MP Shanenndon Cartwright along with his fiancée and daughters.
Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle and other senior officers added to the unlawful number of mourners at the graveside despite armed police officers showing up at funerals and burials in recent months asking excess family members and loved ones to leave the area because they exceeded the number of persons allowed by Emergency Orders.
If the National Security Minister can’t follow the rules, what message does it send to Bahamians?
It once again highlighted the different rules that apply to the average man and more prominent members of society.