POLICE have located the historic chair from which the Governor General reads the Speech from the Throne and said yesterday that several inquiries led them to a man who might have taken it.

The Tribune understands that local film maker Travolta Cooper is assisting police with their investigation into how the chair, table and a drinking glass disappeared. It is understood that CCTV evidence led police near to the British Colonial Hilton where it was said the items were discovered.

Supt Stephen Dean, who is in charge of the Central Division, said police have a man in custody for questioning, but would not release his name.

He said the man claimed to have been given permission to take the items from the House of Assembly.

However, Mr Dean said until police can confirm that permission was given for the man to take the items, the incident is being treated as a criminal matter.

“We located a gentleman who had said he had permission, but we can’t confirm that,” he said.

“So, we are treating it as a criminal matter. We are in possession of everything.

“He is in custody. He is saying he didn’t steal them – the burden of proof is on him.”

Mr Dean said the man told officials at the House of Assembly he was there to collect the items and that they were then simply given to him.

“You must get permission to move those things,” he said. “He went to the House of Assembly and said he came to collect them. They were of the view he was a legitimate person from Government House.”

The chair was presented to the Bahamas government by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh– the duke’s name and the presentation date is inscribed on a brass plaque at the back of the chair.

The chair was used by Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes last Wednesday during the opening of parliament in the public square. After the ceremony, the throne chair, the table, drinking glass and extra chair were moved to the House of Assembly for safe keeping.

Around 3 o’clock that afternoon a man driving a van arrived at the House. He told the assistant clerk that he had been sent by Government House to collect the throne chair. It is understood that he was informed that there were also a table, drinking glass and another chair that had to be returned to Government House.

“It is a priceless heirloom,” said Maurice Tynes, chief clerk at the House of Assembly.