‘A heavy heart’: Politicians mourn tragic death, pay tribute to Don Saunders

The horrific murder of Don Saunders, a former parliamentarian and deputy speaker in the House of Assembly on Wednesday night, sent shock waves through the Bahamas and provoked condolences and reflections about his life in the political arena.

His party leader Michael Pintard was one of the first politicians to alert the public of the homicide that occurred in Gambier, the western area of New Providence.

“It is with a heavy heart that I report the shocking murder of our colleague and friend, FNM Deputy Chair Don Saunders. We are still gathering all of the facts as we come to grips with this tragedy,” he said in a social media post when the incident occurred after 9 pm in the quaint community. Pintard with other FNM colleagues then gathered on the murder scene and watched as Saunders’ body was carried away in a hearse. “We trust that the system is going to work,” he told reporters.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, who appointed Saunders as a candidate for the Tall Pine’s constituency in the 2017 general election, before he won the seat in 2021, also expressed sadness about his untimely death in a social media post. “As the Member of Parliament for the Killarney Constituency (of which Gambier is a part), it is with profound sadness and shock that I have learned of the tragic murder of our esteemed colleague Mr Donald Saunders…Let us honor the memory of our fallen comrade by coming together in solidarity and supporting those affected by this senseless act of violence,” he said.

On the scene, he told reporters that the area was outfitted with cameras to assist the police in finding the suspects responsible for Saunders’ death.

Prime Minister Philip Davis, a friend of Saunders’ family, added that he too was “deeply saddened by the tragic reports that Don Saunders, Former Member of Parliament and Deputy Chairman of the FNM has been killed.”

FNM’s Party Chairman Duane Sands simply said, “May God wrap you in his loving arms. Rest in Peace Don.”

In an official statement,  Sands later paid tribute to Saunders’ commitment and hard work. “He loved our country. He loved the FNM and the principles for which we stand.”

Sands continued, “His efforts for party and country were self-sacrificing. He was a committed son, husband and father. I benefitted from his counsel politically and professionally. I treasured his friendship. Don was a true FNM warrior–committed to the cause. He was an instrumental part of our chairman’s core. He will be sorely missed.”

Adrian White, MP for St Anne’s constituency reflected on Saunders’ life as a student of law. “Don Saunders was my FNM brother. We had been in England sitting the Bar Vocation Course at the same time and each of us completed our pupilage at Higgs & Johnson. Tonight’s news is so disturbing, it’s not worth believing. My thoughts and prayers are for his family…Justice will be served.”

Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin chimed in, offering condolences to Saunders’ family, “particularly his wife, a member of the Ministry of Education team, his children and his entire circle of love.”

Arinthia Komolafe, a former leader of the third-party Democratic National Alliance expressed sympathy in a Facebook post.

FNM Senator Maxine Seymour called him an “older brother” since they originated from Exuma and were involved in politics together.

“Tragically, his journey was cut short, leaving a profound void in our lives and community.”