By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

AUTHORITIES have launched an investigation into the death of a man who was found hanging from an abandoned building at eastern New Providence over the weekend.

The victim has been identified, police sources said, as Leon Martin, husband of Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin. Mr Martin was the accountant for more than 30 years at A D Hanna & Co, the law firm of Minister Hanna-Martin’s father, former governor-general AD Hanna.

While neither Mrs Hanna-Martin nor PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts could be reached for comment an official statement on behalf of Mr Martin’s family was sent late yesterday afternoon. 

The statement said: “The family of the late Leon ‘Onni’ Martin are deeply saddened on learning of his death. We will miss him dearly. The Royal Bahamas Police Force is conducting its investigation and any further comment will be reserved at this time. 

“The family is thankful for the kind and compassionate support of friends and family and the wider Bahamian community. We ask that you continue to keep this family in your prayers.

“Onni was an accomplished musician of many years standing.” 

Police said on Saturday at around 3pm they made the discovery after receiving information of what appeared to be a suicide at an old building at Yamacraw Beach Road.

When officers responded the victim was found with a rope tied around his neck hanging from the ceiling.

Police said they were still unsure of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Opposition Deputy Leader Loretta Butler Turner extended condolences to Mrs Hanna-Martin through Facebook.

She said: “Heart felt condolences to you all.”

Former Democratic National Alliance candidate and Justice of the Peace Rodney Moncur also sent condolences saying that he was saddened to learn of Mr Martin’s death.

Mrs Hanna-Martin was elected the Member of Parliament for the Englerston constituency twice, first in 2002 and then again in 2012.

In 1998 she was elected Chairperson of the Women’s Branch of the Progressive Liberal Party. Ten years later, in 2008 Mrs Hanna-Martin was elected Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party at its National Convention.

She became the first woman to hold the post of Chairman of any major political party in The Bahamas.