Director General of Bahamas Information Services Kevin Harris said he will not comply with the Emergency Order which limits church services to one hour.
In a social media post, a defiant Harris who also serves as Pastor of Charisma Church said he alone will make that determination for his congregation.
“As pastor, I will determine how long my service and my sermon will run.
“There is no limit on how long I can worship God.”
In another post, Harris continues to resist the measures.
“If there is no limit on how long you can be in the number house, there should be no limit on how long I can be in the Lord’s house.”
Then on Sunday, Harris further challenged the new order which would have taken effect on Monday, stating, “I am in worship. I am in the house of the Lord. I am in the pulpit. I will step out once I am done.”
The big picture
In the face of climbing COVID-19 cases in the country, orders were reintroduced by the competent authority on Monday, to control the spread of the infectious disease. Among them, places of worship were forced to limit the number of hours in a facility.
The order also limits the occupancy of a church facility to 33%.
Health officials reported 75 new cases on Monday, with the majority concentrated in the capital.
There are a total of 14,327 confirmed cases with 1,531 active cases.
Officials also confirmed that the death of a 42-year-old man of New Providence, on July 10, was COVID-19 related.
Why it matters
Harris, a former radio personality and talk show host, has been a long-time supporter of Minnis and was appointed to the post at BIS in 2018 when the FNM government won the 2017 General Election.
Harris heads the organization which has the responsibility for disseminating government information.
Harris joins other pastors in expressing dismay with the new measures. President of the Bahamas Christian Council, Bishop Delton Fernander, and Bishop Neil Ellis of Mt Tabor have taken to the media to express their displeasure with the order.