NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Officials are reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding the approval of a police funeral held at Woodlawn Gardens last week.
The funeral service, which was live-streamed on the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Facebook page on Thursday, was held in honor of the late Corporal Portia Lewis-Bain.
Dozens of people attended the event, most of whom could be seen wearing masks, standing under tents and alongside the service area.
There were also performances by the police band and a choir.
Before friends and family of the respected officer began to memorialize and celebrate her life, the moderator acknowledged that the service was “beyond the numbers that are normally required”, and urged the audience to follow health protocols.
He, however, noted that the late officer “is due this” and “deserves it”.
Minister of Social Services Frankie Campbell, who was also at the event, spoke highly of the officer, whom he worked with and considered a friend.
He also offered sympathies and gratitude to her friends and family on behalf of the government of The Bahamas.
The latest emergency orders permits islands in the second schedule to conduct funeral services at the graveside but it is limited to ten people, exclusive of the officiant and mortuary workers.
New Providence, Paradise Island, Acklins, Abaco, Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Inagua, and Mayaguana comprise islands in the second schedule.
However, islands on the first schedule of the emergency orders are permitted to hold funeral services in churches or other religious facilities following protocols outlined by the Bahamas Christian Council.
Graveside burials on those islands are permitted with no more than 30 people.
Islands listed in the first schedule include Chub Cay, Harbour Island, Long Cay, Long Island, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador and Spanish Wells.
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