“A large group exemption has been granted for an event being hosted by Bermuda Pride today [Aug 8],” the Ministry said, with the Ministry noting that the exemption is for up to 150 people.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of National Security is advising the public that a large group exemption has been granted for an event being hosted by Bermuda Pride today, August 8.
“The Ministry clarified however that the approval is for a recognition event, not a parade. The recognition event will take place at City Hall on the lawn.
“The organisers have liaised with the Corporation of Hamilton to ensure the appropriate permissions have been provided. The permission is limited to 30 minutes.
“To allay public concerns, the Ministry shared the conditions for the hosting of the Bermuda Pride event:
Conditions:
- 1. All persons attending the event must wear a face mask and maintain appropriate physical distancing at all times.
- 2. Number of persons permitted is 150.
- 3. Security to be present to monitor and enforce physical distancing.
- 4. Duration of the event is 30 minutes.
- 5. Security to ensure number of persons at the event does not exceed the permitted number of 150.
- 6. The Bermuda Police Service / Ministry of National Security Officials have the right to attend and observe adherence to the conditions as prescribed above.
“Lastly, this event is not associated with an event being planned by Mr. Mark Anderson at the Flagpole on Front Street. Mr. Anderson has not applied for an exemption to have more than 50 persons at his event, however, the Bermuda Police Service is aware of Mr. Anderson’s planned gathering.”
The Bermuda Pride organisers had already noted the event was a reflection, not a parade, and that it is limited to 150 people.
The organisers previously said, “We have only been given permission for 150 persons to attend. This will be on a first-come-first-served basis. There will be barricades around City Hall and only 150 persons will be allowed within the barricades,” the organisers said.
“Everyone must wear a face mask, must remain physically distant [6 feet or 2 meters apart] from persons not in their household, and they must hand sanitise on entering the space.”
Bernews plans to provide coverage of both events, the Bermuda Pride Moment of Reflection and Mr Anderson’s lip syncing performance, so people are welcome to stay home and watch the coverage online.
