By Gerrino J. Saunders
Journal Staff Writer

Six opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) have been barred from House
proceedings for two sittings following the chaos that occurred in the House of
Assembly on December 4 th when the Member for St. Barnabas and Free National
Movement Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright charged the Speaker’s desk,
snatched the Mace and quickly threw it out of the northeast window after
opposition members accused the Speaker Patricia Deveaux of trying to silence
their and ultimately the voice of the people.
The incident resulted in widespread debates both locally and throughout the region
with some people in support of the opposition and others in support of the Speaker.
A week later the dust had settled but the incident was still fresh in the Speaker’s
mind and she began the session by expressing her “profound disappointment”
describing the actions of the opposition members as a breach of decorum and a
lack of respect for the Parliamentary proceedings, as they showed a blatant
disregard for the authority of the Speaker.
She said, “on that day the honourable member for St. Barnabas threw the Mace out
of the chamber in an act that disrupted our parliamentary session. The Mace is the
symbol of the authority of this House, its removal, let alone its forceful ejection
signifies a deliberate disregard for the authority vested in this assembly by the
Constitution and the people of this nation.”
The Speaker said, “what is more unsettling is the lack of respect for constructive
dialogue or even criticism that was carelessly thrown out of the window without
accountability for such a symbolic instrument and property of state, especially in
this space where we should personify the highest form of conduct. We cannot in
one breath be law makers and in the very same breath become law breakers.”

The Speaker said what was most disappointing and unfortunate was the willingness
of members of the opposition to simply breach the rules of procedures and commit
offenses under the powers and privileges act.
The Speaker who said she has received support and encouragement from Speakers
around the region noted that she had come to respect the MP for St. Barnabas for
his “sobriety and measured tone, unfortunately he deviated from that standard,” she
said.
“What took place in this chamber last week was disgraceful and a blatant display
of disrespect for the authority of the chair and the people’s Parliament. There was
no logical excuse for what took place, and it cannot and will not be ignored,” said
Speaker Deveaux.
She then explained the House Rules in regards to members making a request to
address the House on matters of national importance and her decision not to allow
the leader of the Opposition and Member for Marco City Michael Pintard to speak
on two occasions following a Communication by Prime Minister Davis on the
recent U.S. indictment of 11 Bahamians including senior law enforcement officers
in relation to a major cocaine smuggling ring that shipped tons of narcotics into the
United States (U.S.) since at least May of 2021.
The Speaker described Mr. Pintard’s conduct as troubling, noting that her decisions
were based on the rules.
Moving on she said the integrity of the House must be preserved and that the
actions of the Member for St. Barnabas and the other opposition members must be
met with disciplinary action.
She then named Michael Pintard, Shanendon Cartwright, Adrian White, Iram
Lewis, Kwasi Thompson and Adrian Gibson.
The naming of MPs is punishment in which the speaker asks the House to pass
judgment on their grossly disorderly conduct.
Following the naming the MP for St. Anne’s Adrian White attempted to stand on a
point of order but was rejected, as the Speaker instructed Leader of Government
Business, the MP for Free Town Wayne Munroe to move the motion on the
disciplinary action.

Pursuant to rules of the house the six Opposition MPs were suspended for two
House sittings beginning with yesterday’s sitting. As they exited the chamber the
Speaker said to the suspended members to have “a marvelous day and to enjoy
their Christmas holidays.”
The Opposition members were not pleased with the ruling. Speaking to the media
while standing on the steps of Parliament Mr. Pintard said, “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 investigations 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. We intend to continue to put on the record that
the Prime Minister is causing tremendous reputational damage to The Bahamas by
his failure to reassure Bahamians, and reassure the international community that
his administration and those that he preside over are not engaged in illegal or
corrupt practices,” said Pintard.
Mr. Pintard has also said that it is his opinion that the Speaker of the House of
Assembly has “surrendered the independence of the Parliament” to the Prime
Minister and the executive.
Opposition members except the MP for Killarney Dr. Hubert Minnis will miss the
January 15 th sitting and will not be able to return to Parliament until Wednesday
January 22 nd if the House convenes on that date.