houseofassembly

Newly elected Member of Parliament for Golden Isles, Darron Pickstock, officially took his seat in the House of Assembly today following his by-election victory.

Sitting on the government’s backbench with members of his family in the gallery, Pickstock used his first address to express gratitude and to outline his commitment to the constituency.

“I will work hard for Golden Isles, harder than anyone has ever worked. I will be present. I will listen. And I will act,” he said.

Pickstock also pledged to support entrepreneurship in the community, promising to be “a partner, not a barrier,” and outlined his vision of “a golden future for Golden Isles” rooted in “inclusivity, equity and shared progress.”

Reflecting on his early years, Pickstock spoke about the lessons learned from hard work and perseverance.

“I packed bags, bussed tables and cleaned floors as a teen, working nights to pay for day classes. If you want a better life, you have to be prepared to put in the work,” he said. “I come from a working family, raised on modest means, but with high expectations.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis praised Pickstock’s journey, calling him a symbol of what ordinary Bahamians can achieve.

“You asked the people for a chance. Now prove them right and go beyond their expectations,” Davis said. He also hailed the by-election result as a major victory for the Progressive Liberal Party.

“PLP is an unbeatable machine, once we get rolling, we take up everything in its wake.”

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard formally congratulated Pickstock and expressed hope that Golden Isles would see meaningful transformation under his leadership.

When Golden Isles MP and Cabinet Minister Vaughn Miller died suddenly, it left one seat in the House of Assembly empty. The question now is whether the government should call a by-election to fill the seat or skip it since a general election looms.

A Golden Isles by-election could be a fiscal waste and a political risk for the Progressive Liberal Party.

Why It Matters

Golden Isles Constituents are without a voice and a representative in the House of Assembly. Many may argue that voters deserve a member of parliament, even if for a short time. Not filling the seat could look dismissive to residents who already felt neglected by Miller before his death.

This by-election can be a financial waste, costing thousands of dollars in staffing, ballots, and logistics. In 2012, the North Abaco by-election reportedly cost about $25,000. In 2023, the West End and Bimini by-election reportedly cost about $10 million. And a New Providence by-election could cost even more.

Some may argue, why spend tens of thousands on a short-term parliamentarian when Bahamians will go back to the polls soon for the general election?

The by-election just months before a general election could be a political risk–a referendum on the government’s performance and popularity. If the PLP loses the seat or wins narrowly, it sends the wrong message heading into the polls. A loss, or even a close result, would bolster the Free National Movement (FNM).

The FNM, Coalition of Independents (COI) and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), already gearing up for a general election, may not want another round of campaigning, and voters may feel election fatigue.

However, with a by-election, the PLP can show its strength by defending its 2021 win while testing its campaign machinery ahead of the general election.

The big picture

In 2021, PLP won Golden Isles by 627 votes. That’s comfortable but not untouchable. A swing of 300–400 voters could flip the seat.

By-elections often see lower turnouts, meaning a small shift in motivation to vote can make a big difference.

The FNM candidate for the constituency, Brian Brown, has already been nominated to run and has been canvassing the constituency for a few years, even after his loss to Vaughn Miller in 2021, meaning constituents know him and have tested his commitment to the area.

The PLP, without a candidate selected for the area, will lose ground. Miller was not popular with voters, with many vowing not to vote for him if he was nominated again by the party to contest the seat for a third term because of his lackadaisical approach as an MP.

The bottom line

Whether Prime Minister Philip Davis calls a by-election or waits, he will suffer the consequences. The PLP can risk an early loss if they call a by-election now, or save taxpayers money but leave Golden Isles voiceless if they wait until the general election.

House Speaker Patricia Deveaux suspended the six Opposition party members from two sittings in the House of Assembly. This follows last week’s session where Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright threw the mace from the window of the House.

Speaker Patricia Devaux, in her decision, says she believes the incident severely breached decorum and respect for parliamentary procedures.

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard criticized the suspension, calling it an attempt to silence the voices of the Bahamian people and avert a transparent investigation into alleged government corruption.

“We see this as a continuation of their attempt to silence the Bahamian people. We see this as an attempt by them seeking to avoid transparent investigation by qualified persons locally and internationally looking into corruption not only among a few in the security forces but also in government as well. The people will not be silenced,” Pintard said.

Why it matters?

The suspension suggests a deepening divide between the government and the opposition, raising concerns about the state of democracy and governance in the country.

It underscores the tensions between the ruling party and those who challenge it, and it raises questions about the balance of power and the freedom of elected officials to express dissent within the parliamentary system.

The suspension of the Opposition members is more than a disciplinary measure but can be viewed as a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability in The Bahamas.

Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement Shanendon Cartwright threw the mace out of the window of the House of Assembly on Wednesday when House Speaker Patricia Deveaux tried again to silence Party Leader Michael Pintard from speaking after Prime Minister Philip Davis gave an update on the trafficking indictment of senior police officers and announced the resignation of Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander.

When Pintard asked if he would be given an opportunity to address the serious matter this week, Deveaux said she could not say for certain, adding that she would address the possibility of him speaking at a later time, after a speech by the Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe.

Deveaux contended she was going according to the Order of Business.

Pintard, while on his feet was joined by Cartwright who both asked her for an assurance that Pintard would be allowed to make a presentation in the House.

“Let the Bahamian people speak Madam Speaker” Cartwright shouted.

“Will I have an opportunity to speak? Pintard asked repeatedly.

Deveaux then said, “We will get to that when I get to that order of business.”

Without a surety of speaking, Cartwright rushed to the Speaker’s mace which is regarded as her authority, removed it, and threw it out of the window.

This comes on the heel of last week’s session when Deveaux quickly suspended the House and prevented Pintard from speaking on the indictment of senior officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defense Force expected to stand trial for cocaine transportation in a New York trial.

Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe was noticeably absent in the House of Assembly on Wednesday as Prime Minister Philip Davis addressed the New York indictment of three officers accused of transporting cocaine into the United States–two officers are high-ranking.

Minister of Labour Pia Glover Rolle stood in his stead as leader of Government Business.

Munroe said the public should not be alarmed at his absence. He is attending a CARICOM Securities Ministers meeting in St Kitts.

He also denied authorizing the shipment of tons of cocaine shipment from South America through the Bahamas to the United States.

“I have not received $2million. I have not been asked to accommodate any wrongdoing. I have not offered to accommodate any wrongdoing, and I state that categorically,” he told The Tribune.

This comes after Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis was arrested and indicted for cocaine and firearm transport to the United States, implicating a politician in the scheme.

According to the indictment “In exchange for $2million USD, a high-ranking Bahamian politician, whom Curtis named, would authorize the assistance and involvement of Bahamian law enforcement officials –– including armed RBPF officers –– in facilitating and ensuring cocaine shipments…”

Munroe joins Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper in denying any role in the scheme.

“Such allegations demand thorough investigation, and no stone will be left unturned in seeking the truth,” Prime Minister Philip Davis said in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.

He said his Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell had recommended sending a diplomatic note to US officials requesting more information about the allegation about the politician’s involvement.

It is not known if the public will be privy to the information if it is divulged.

“I know that in some of these law enforcement matters, information is given to you on the basis that you do not disclose it,” Munroe said.

In a brief communication to the House of Assembly on Wednesday, following the New York indictment of senior officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Defense Force, Prime Minister Philip Davis said the people responsible will be held accountable in a ‘swift and decisive move’ by his government.

What Prime Minister Davis said

Prime Minister Philip Davis said, “The misconduct of a few must not and will not define The Bahamas.

“Let there be no doubt, the Bahamian people deserve accountability for every act of betrayal committed during this time. The tree will be shaken until every bad apple falls.

“To those who believe they can outsmart the systems of justice and intelligence, let this serve as a clear and stern warning: the days of operating in the shadows are over. You will be found, and you will be held accountable,” Davis said before the House was quickly suspended and Opposition Leader Michael Pintard was denied from speaking.

Why it matters

The Royal Bahamas Police Force, plagued with corrupt allegations was once again hit with damnable allegations when a senior member of its organization Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis, and Sergeant Prince Symonette, along with Chief Petty Officer Darren Roker of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force were three of thirteen men charged in the United States with conspiracy to transport cocaine to the United States from South America, firearms use, and carrying and possession of firearms conspiracy.

Curtis has implicated an unnamed politician, claiming the operation was authorized for $2 million.

The big picture

Curtis is in charge of the Lynden Pindling Airport Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and is accused of accepting bribes from traffickers to facilitate the transportation of cocaine while “providing safe passage for the traffickers and their cocaine loads through the Nassau Airport and elsewhere in the Bahamas.”

Sergeant Prince Symonette of the Royal Bahamas Police Force is accused of working with Curtis and traffickers to transport the drug by air and sea while accepting bribes “for streamlining customs clearance for aircraft,” receiving bribery money of $10,000 as a down payment.

Roker allegedly received $10,000 in bribery money as a down payment to alert traffickers about sensitive operations by the US Coast Guard and OPBAT to avoid capture.

Curtis and Symonette reportedly “planned a trip to the United States to receive approximately $1.5m in US currency, which would represent an advanced payment on an agreed-upon at least approximately 500-kilogram load of cocaine to be imported through The Bahamas into the United States.”

State of play

The indictment labels Bahamian government officials as ‘corrupt,’ which affects the Bahamas reputation and its dealings with the US. Thus, Davis said he will meet with the Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy today to discuss the indictment and “reaffirm our government’s commitment to full cooperation in uncovering the truth and dismantling these criminal networks.”

Driving the news

Curtis and Roker were apprehended in Florida but will stand trial in New York.

“The government of The Bahamas will act decisively to ensure that those responsible for these breaches, regardless of rank or position, are held accountable. This betrayal will not go unanswered,” Davis said.

“In light of these serious allegations, I want to assure this House and the Bahamian people that my government will act swiftly and decisively. We will engage with our U.S. partners and assist fully in this investigation.

“The defendants will have their day in court, where the guilt or innocence of each will be established. But we cannot wait – and we will not wait – for the outcomes of court proceedings in the United States.”

Featured Image: Tribune

Contention quickly grew in the House of Assembly today when House Speaker Patricia Deveaux prevented Opposition Leader Michael Pintard from speaking on the indictment of senior officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defense Force expected to stand trial for cocaine importation in a New York trial.

Deveaux contended that Pintard’s letter was dated today (November 27) but was requested to speak at “tomorrow’s sitting,” and was given to her at 9:05 which is not exactly an hour before the House meets.

She said this error warranted her putting a quorum on the floor and asking ten parliamentarians to stand in support of Pintard’s presentation.

Pintard insisted that in addition to the letter, he spoke to the clerk for permission to speak on Wednesday morning after Prime Minister Davis’ speech and had given the letter more than one hour before the House met.

Pintard said he should be granted permission due to “the matter of gravity” but Prime Minister Philip Davis said the arrest of the three officers in the United States, was “not necessarily a matter of public importance.”

However, Pintard noted that Davis had already noted the significance of the matter when he issued a statement notifying the public that he intended to address the matter in the House. “If it is important to him it can be no less important to us to have an opportunity to address the issue,” Pintard said.

Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis, Sergeant Prince Symonette and Chief Petty Officer Darren Roker are three of thirteen men charged with transporting cocaine to the United States from South America. Curtis is in charge of the Lynden Pindling Airport Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and stands accused of accepting bribes from traffickers to facilitate the transportation of cocaine while “providing safe passage for the traffickers and their cocaine loads through the Nassau Airport and elsewhere in the Bahamas.”
Read more| Damning evidence

Sergeant Prince Symonette of the Royal Bahamas Police Force is accused of working with Curtis and traffickers to transport the drug by air and sea while accepting bribes “for streamlining customs clearance for aircraft,” receiving bribery money of $10,000 as a down payment, while Roker of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force allegedly received $10,000 in bribery money as a down payment to alert traffickers about sensitive operations by the US Coast Guard and OPBAT.

Curtis and Symonette “planned a trip to the United States to receive approximately $1.5m in US currency, which would represent an advanced payment on an agreed-upon at least approximately 500-kilogram load of cocaine to be imported through The Bahamas into the United States,” the indictment read.

After Davis spoke on the matter involving the indictment, Pintard attempted to speak on the matter too, but was shut down. St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright defending Pintard said, “Madam Speaker it is wrong what you are intending to do,” as East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson joined and shouted, “You trying to silence him. It is wrong. It is absolutely wrong.”

Speaker Deaveaux then quickly suspended the House until December 4.

Featured picture credit: The Tribune

As of Friday afternoon, a GoFundMe for FNM Deputy Chair and Former Parliamentarian Don Saunders has already raised nearly $18,000 from some 90 donors, three days after it was launched.

Reverend Fr. Keith Cartwright launched a GoFundMe to help the family’s mounting bills in the wake of his unexpected death in an apparent botched robbery.

Elaine Cravatt who donated $100 said, “If I can help somebody as I travel along, my living shall not be in vain. May Don’s soul rest in peace.”

The GoFundMe has a goal of $314,000—to help with his uninsured mortgage for his home, his daughter’s university tuition, and his son’s high school fees. Saunder’s wife, Tiffany is also battling sickle cell.

“My son’s entire life was one of national service. From a young age, he was actively involved in church life and community development. He entered into national frontline politics to make a difference in the lives of people from all backgrounds. He served unselfishly, often times at great personal and familial sacrifice,” said Father Cartwright, who adopted Saunders from a boy and assisted him with schooling.

“My brothers and sisters we seek your kind assistance in these challenging times. Your contributions, no matter how small, will indeed go a long way in alleviating the financial burden on my son’s family who is already grappling with the loss of their beloved husband and father.”

Saunders was killed last week Wednesday when he visited a club in the Gambier area of New Providence and gunmen attempted to rob patrons, police say. A gunman confronted Saunders who then brushed the gun from his face. He was shot in the neck region and subsequently died on the scene.

Dazelle Munroe whose father was also murdered, said she too feels the pain of Saunders’ family. She donated $100.

“My father was also murdered when I was 11 years old leaving my mother to take care of five girls by herself. I am saddened to see another family have to deal with this situation. I’ve seen and met Don Don (Saunders’ son) at St. John’s as my son goes there and will be cheering from the sideline for his continued success.

Police said earlier in the week that they have three suspects in custody.

At the time of his unfortunate death, Saunders served as the deputy chairman of the Free National Movement. He was a former member of Parliament for the Tall Pines constituency, and served as deputy speaker of the House of Assembly.

The political arena in the Bahamas was hit with unpredictable events that sent the public reeling.

Here are five top political events that were surprising:

1. Social Services Minister Obediah Wilchcombe died

Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Obediah Wilchcombe died unexpectedly after complications with a heart condition. The MP for West End and Bimini was discovered unresponsive in his home.

His casket, draped in the Bahamian flag was flown from Grand Bahama to New Providence where a state funeral was held before he was flown to Grand Bahama for burial.

Wilchcombe’s death triggered a by-election in West Grand Bahama and Bimini.

Since he was the leader of government business in the House, Wayne Munroe now fills the role.

2. PLP Kingsley Smith won the West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat in a by-election

Kingsley Smith, the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate for West Grand Bahama and Bimini in the by-election triggered by the death of OB Wilchcombe, won the seat comfortably after a fight with FNM candidate Ricardo Grant.

The win was expected since the constituency has consistently voted for the PLP; the governing party has a pattern of retaining sweats in by-elections; and voter turnouts are usually lower in by-elections than a general election.

The FNM with Grant led a strong campaign backed by former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, but it was not enough to win the seat.

3. Sylvanus Petty resigned as WSC Executive Chairman

Prime Minister Philip Davis requested that North Eleuthera MP Sylvanus Petty resign from his role as executive chairman of the Water and Sewage Corporation following an admission in court that he gave his daughter a $26,000 contract with the corporation. The conflict of interest was revealed while under cross-examination in an alleged corruption case involving former chairman Adrian Gibson. Petty said he did not frown on nepotism since “everyone in the Bahamas was family.”

4. Kirk Cornish charged with sexual assault

Member of Parliament for North Abaco Kirk Cornish was charged with sexual assault and death threats against a former girlfriend, following months of investigation by authorities. He has denied the claims but prosecution said it found sufficient evidence to charge the 48-year-old politician.

He resigned as Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.

5. Immigration Minister Keith Bell issued citizenship at a funeral; it was labeled improper

In an “unorthodox” move, Immigration Minister Keith Bell conferred citizenship to a woman and her two children at their relative’s funeral prompting a call for his resignation.

The audio recording went viral as Bell swore in the three people during a funeral at the Metropolitan Church of the Nazarene but Bell defended his actions stating that he was fulfilling the wishes of the deceased man whose wife was also born in Haiti, and whose two children were born in the Bahamas.

As the public cries grew louder, Bell was removed as Minister of Immigration and positioned as Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal.

6. The House of Assembly was suddenly prorogued

The House of Assembly was prorogued unexpectedly on a Saturday, on the advice of Prime Minister Philip Davis, wiping clean the agenda with a new one beginning October 4. Many speculated that the government was attempting to refresh its agenda and shuffle the Cabinet after spurious claims against some of its members. Opposition Leader Michael Pintard believed it was an attempt by the government to evade the “undeniable truth” that it has failed the Bahamian people.

A new session of the House was opened with a newly appointed Governor General Cynthia “Mother” Pratt who read the Speech from the Throne.