By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

HOUSE of Assembly Speaker Dr Kendal Major has ordered a psychiatric evaluation of the woman who attempted to grab the mace at the opening of Parliament yesterday.

Under law, the penalty for the “egregious act” is a $600 fine and/or six months in prison. However, Dr Major said special consideration might be given pending the outcome of the evaluation.

He explained that 46-year-old Janice Curtis, a resident of Misty Gardens, had already been identified by officers as “suspicious“ when she made the lunge towards mace bearer, David Forbes, shortly before 11am. The scuffle lasted for only a few minutes, according to Dr Major, who praised the Sergeant-at-Arms and supporting officers for their quick response.

“The mace bearer is right in front of me,” said Dr Major in describing the Speaker’s procession into the House, “and when she snatched at the mace, he pulled back and I sensed it and I helped him, next thing I know I found myself holding her until the officer grabbed her from me.

“I’m satisfied that we were fully prepared, the officers and Sergeant-at-Arms were ready, they acted swiftly and subverted any further actions and any secondary action.”

Dr Major said the woman was intentionally seated by police due to her strange behaviour, adding that she was seen removing her shoes and rubbing her feet on the carpet.

While Dr Major confirmed that the woman did not attend the House regularly, he said she had been seen wandering in the area before and several members greeted her in the gallery.

According to Dr Major, the woman’s actions were in breach of Rule 25 of the Senate and House of Assembly Powers and Procedures Act, which deals with “persons who intend to molest or bring harm to the fittings or outfits of the House”.

Although the matter was “unsettling”, Dr Major said the incident was not the central cause of yesterday’s delayed start.

He declined to provide further details on the other factors that contributed to the hour-long delay.

The Misty Gardens resident was arrested and taken to Central Police Station to await the Speaker’s decision.

During last night’s evening session, Dr Major banned Ms Curtis from the House.

As she was being led away by police, Ms Curtis told members of the media that she carried out her attempt in Parliament yesterday because she was instructed by “God” to do so.