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It is a series of allegations contained in a U.S. federal affidavit involving an unidentified “Politician-1”, an alleged discussion about a future cocaine shipment and claims that the meeting took place inside the Bahamian Parliament.

Yet somehow, the conversation finds it way back to Speaker Patricia Deveaux.

On Monday, Deveaux accused Opposition Leader Michael Pintard of maligning her name, arguing that his social media post placed her under a caption about drug deals in Parliament.

“You put my full name under a caption of drug deal in the House of Assembly as if I was involved in some drug deal. You sell that to the world under your post. You maligned my name…My integrity, I walk through the doors with that and I will not sit there and allow any man or woman to impugn my good name.

“Please have my name removed from under the caption. Don’t do that to me. I love my name,” she argued.

The problem is that the post itself does not mention her name, only her title and is not about Deveaux being involved in drug trafficking, but it was about her response as Speaker of the House.

Specifically, it mentioned her decision not to support calls for an investigation and her suggestion that those with concerns take the matter to the police.

But in her response on Monday, Deveaux shifted the focus.

Instead of discussing whether Parliament should investigate allegations connected to its own precincts, the discussion became whether Deveaux’s feelings had been hurt.

Instead of accountability, it becomes personal. And this is a familiar political strategy.

When leaders find themselves under pressure, one option is to defend the decision itself or reframe criticism of the decision as an attack on the person.

Defending the decision itself keeps the spotlight on the issue, but reframing the criticism as an attack on the individual moves the spotlight to the individual.

And once the individual becomes the story, the original issue often fades into the background.

Deveaux is presenting herself as the injured party in a controversy that is fundamentally about Parliament’s response to serious allegations.

Across politics, the trend is to become a victim for public sympathy.

The reappointment of Patricia Deveaux as Speaker of the House is the continuation of the same atmosphere, tone and governing party’s strategy inside Parliament itself.

For many Bahamians, Deveaux emerge from the last parliamentary term as the most polarizing figures: combative, theatrical, deeply partisan and, at times, startlingly personal in her exchanges with Opposition members.

The Speaker’s chair, in the Westminster-style system, is traditionally meant to show restraint and disciplined authority. The position works best when the Speaker shows she is above political tribalism, protecting both the government’s legislative agenda and the Opposition’s right to challenge it.

Deveaux often seemed uninterested in that balance.

Inside the House of Assembly, a pattern developed last term. An Opposition MP would rise to make a point. Before the thought could fully form, a government member would spring upward on a “point of order.” Deveaux would recognize it immediately, shutting down the momentum and the debate.

The Opposition member, frequently visibly frustrated, would sit before completing the argument.

Over time, Parliament failed to feel like a place of deliberation.

Her supporters may argue that she is merely enforcing parliamentary rules against an unruly Opposition. But critics see a Speaker wielding Parliamentary procedure as weaponry.

And this term, the imbalance inside Parliament could become even more dramatic.

The governing Progressive Liberal Party now controls 33 seats in the House of Assembly, while the Opposition Free National Movement holds only eight.

That dominance gives the government overwhelming control over proceedings, voting and the overall atmosphere inside the chamber. It means government MPs can repeatedly rise to defend the government, interrupt Opposition arguments, dominate debate time and reinforce the Speaker during tense exchanges.

Eight FNM MPs now face Parliament packed with government voices and a Speaker many already view as hostile.

And it was the tone that disturbed many observers during the last term.

Her exchange with Adrian White became one of the defining moments of the previous Parliament because the interaction felt so intensely personal. “Don’t play with me,” she warned him. Later referring to him dismissively as “baby,” she lectured the Opposition member less like a parliamentary equal and more like an exasperated school principal disciplining children.

White’s response — asking to be addressed respectfully as an adult and father, only escalated the spectacle.

For many watching, the discomfort was palpable.

Parliament, ideally, should show seriousness, intellectual discipline and democratic maturity.

Deveaux returns exactly as the Davis administration enters perhaps the most politically delicate opening of any recent Bahamian government. Questions surrounding “Politician-1,” DEA affidavits and allegations tied to Parliament itself threaten to dominate the national conversation, which is why her reappointment feels even more politically strategic.

The government understands what is coming— an aggressive Opposition, sharper scrutiny and emotionally charged debates over corruption, transparency and credibility.

The day Parliament is dissolved will be significant, as the country moves closer to a general election.

When Prime Minister Philip Davis advises the Governor General to dissolve Parliament, it officially ends the current legislative term.

Here’s what actually happens:

The Commissioner of Police, acting as Provost Marshall will formally announce it from the steps of Parliament.

Davis would announce the election date, and all speculation would end.

The House of Assembly, where Members of Parliament meet to debate, discuss and vote on the laws, immediately stops sitting. And all official parliamentary business ends.

From that moment, MPs are no longer MPs but return to being private citizens. Even Cabinet ministers lose the letters “MP” after their names, because technically, no one holds that title anymore.

The prime minister and government ministers remain in office to ensure continuity. The administration shifts into what’s often called “caretaker mode,” meaning major new policy decisions are typically avoided unless necessary. Essential services continue, and the public service keeps functioning.

The business of governing, in its basic form, continues.

But the Parliamentary Registration closes, meaning that eligible voters are no longer able to register or transfer their address.

Parties move from governing to campaigning. Political parties mobilize and campaign offices activate and intensify. Candidates begin the final push across constituencies.

Dissolution marks the formal end of one Parliament and clears the path for voters to choose the next one.

For the governing Progressive Liberal Party, the opposition Free National Movement, and the third party Coalition of Independents, it is the start of the election race.

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