In February 2023, The Bahamas hosted the CARICOM Summit — a high-profile international event that drew global attention. At the same time, demonstrators staged protests near the summit venue. Police intervened, and 18 people were arrested for unlawful assembly.
This situation highlights a risk many companies overlook: what happens when your employees are caught up in a protest and face arrest?
From my years in law enforcement, I’ve seen the fallout inside organizations when this occurs:
- Operational disruption
- Reputational damage
- Legal and financial exposure
- Employee relations strain
A well-crafted Protest Management Policy prevents confusion and protects both the organization and its people.
The CARICOM Summit protest was a reminder that demonstrations can get out of hand quickly — directly impact organizations. When employees end up on the wrong side of a police cordon, the organization feels the ripple effect.
As a veteran police officer, I’ll say this plainly: hoping staff won’t be caught up in protests is not a strategy. A Protest Management Policy ensures that when unrest arises, your organization protects its people, its reputation, and its future.