A peaceful musical demonstration quickly turned into a face-off with the police after the right to use the facilities was withdrawn half an hour after it began.

A group of independent community activists and supporters gathered at the St James Amphitheatre yesterday afternoon to ’Drummit2 Summit’ to show their solidarity for Cuba.

Organised by natural scientist, Michael Parris, the event was intended to ’drum out’ poor health care, the lack of agricultural subsidies and poverty. Drums were to be used because this was how African slaves expressed themselves under oppression, said Parris.

Former senator Diana Mahabir-Wyatt, said she was completely flabbergasted when the police engaged in confrontation with several of the participants. That was uncalled for, she said, saying that the show could have gone on without confrontation because it was not a protest but a musical message.

After three failed attempts to shut down the show, the police finally gave in and allowed the group to continue until 6 p.m. without any more interference.