By Tynia Brown

Journal Staff Writer

Senator Darron Pickstock was officially sworn in as the Member of Parliament for the Golden Isles constituency in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, following his November 24th  bye-election victory.  His election fills the seat left vacant by the late Honourable Vaughn Miller.

During the morning sitting, House Speaker Patricia Deveaux invited Pickstock to the Bar of the House to take the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Qualification.  She welcomed him warmly, saying:  “Mr. Darron Pickstock, it is my absolute pleasure to have invited you here into the Honourable House of Assembly, where you are now taking your seat as the newest member for the Golden Isles constituency.  You are now in the Lower House, where big things happen.  You may now proceed with your message.”

In his address, Mr. Pickstock said that he was “humbled by the grace of God and the confidence of the people of Golden Isles,” and began by honouring his predecessor, the late Vaughn Miller, for his exemplary service.

He said residents’ voices, expressed through conversations during his campaign, would guide his service and legislative priorities.

Prime Minister Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis congratulated Mr. Pickstock, reflecting on shared roots in Cat Island and the role of family and discipline in shaping leaders. 

Mr. Davis also thanked all voters of Golden Isles for participating in the democratic process.

“At the end of the day, you won. Always remember that. There’s no prize for second place,” Davis said. He encouraged Pickstock to honour the confidence voters placed in him:  “Don’t prove them wrong. Prove them right.”

Davis also praised the Progressive Liberal Party’s organizational strength and the efforts of Pickstock’s campaign team, before urging him to remain grounded in faith:  “Give thanks to Almighty God for ensuring that you’re here.  It is His will, and His will was done.”

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard also extended congratulations. “Congratulations to you, your team, and your family,” he said. “Today is another important chapter in our democracy.”

Pintard noted that, like the Prime Minister, he too descends from Cat Island, jokingly adding:  “the Prime Minister is from Old Bight, and I am from New Bight, as is emblematic of the future.”

Pintard emphasized that Pickstock’s election reinforces that public-school students can excel on national and global stages.  “Notwithstanding where one starts out, you have the capacity to achieve great things,” he said.

He reminded Pickstock that general elections bring different challenges, but said he was confident the new MP was wise and prepared.

Mr. Pintard also acknowledged the sacrifices made by families of parliamentarians, noting that they often endure the pressure and criticism of political life.  “Every Bahamian who achieves something is a pride for the country,” he said, adding that the FNM looks forward to constructive engagement.  “It is our prayer that there will be a transformation in the lives of the people of Golden Isles.”

Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis also offered heartfelt congratulations, reflecting on his own journey from humble beginnings.  He said Pickstock’s election underscores a powerful national message:  “It doesn’t matter where you start, but how you finish.”

Lewis, a former national athlete, added a personal note:  “Congratulations to my basketball teammate who came all the way from the Golden Yoke to Golden Isles. That’s a serious moment.”

He said that he looks forward to collaborating with Pickstock, noting that the new MP brings valuable experience from serving in the Senate.

“You are well studied, well prepared, and you will make a positive contribution to the advancement of our legislative arm,” Lewis said.  “It is often lonely and taxing in this place, so we rely on our families to undergird us with strength.”

Lewis concluded on behalf of the “third party, the bronze medalists,” saying he looks forward to working with Pickstock and his colleagues.

Pickstock closed by promising that his work “does not stop now that I am in this House.” He said values of discipline, hard work, and integrity, instilled from his youth, will guide his service to Golden Isles and the nation.

He highlighted a guiding principle from his grandmother: “My word is my bond.”