Friday, December 6, 2024
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Free National Movement (FNM) yesterday accused the Davis administration of distorting the events that unfolded in Parliament on Wednesday, rejecting claims that its actions were a “planned and coordinated assault”.
In a statement, the FNM criticised the prime minister for “talking absolute nonsense” and dismissed accusations of violence, insisting that “the tape tells the tale.”
The chaos began when FNM MP Shanendon Cartwright hurled the Speaker’s mace out of a window following a heated exchange.
The dispute arose after House Speaker Patricia Deveaux refused to confirm whether FNM Leader Michael Pintard could speak on a US indictment alleging corruption, sparking anger among opposition members.
The disruption led to police storming the chamber, forcibly removing opposition MPs and clashing with an unruly crowd outside.
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) members swiftly condemned Mr Cartwright’s actions, describing them as political grandstanding that lacked the historical significance of Sir Lynden Pindling’s iconic protest.
“I would have hoped that at a moment when our country’s reputation is under fire, that all of us could move forward together, and put country first,” Prime Minister Philip Davis said in a national address Wednesday evening.
“Unfortunately, the Members of the Opposition chose to put on a show instead.”
Speaker Deveaux called the incident a “dark day” for Bahamian politics, alleging she was assaulted and feared for her life.
She also claimed the incident resulted in the Deputy Speaker suffering a blow to the head and a police officer sustaining serious leg injuries.
However, the FNM refuted her version of events, saying: “At no time was the Speaker of the House of Assembly’s life in danger, as she dramatically and inexplicably claimed.”
“At no time did any Opposition member lay hands on a government member—it was the recklessly thrown arm of a police officer that landed the North Eleuthera Member of Parliament in hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery.”
The FNM also accused police of using excessive force during the confrontation, claiming opposition members endured “overly aggressive actions” and were dragged from the House “by any means necessary.”
“We have the scars, ripped clothing and bruises to prove it,” the party added.
The FNM claimed it has been repeatedly denied the opportunity to address the indictment, adding: “The people are fed up, outraged and offended.”
“The world now knows the Opposition will not sit idly by and allow the people’s voice to be silenced.”
Comments
birdiestrachan says...
It was planned the tape shows White went to the window why.?..? He had not done that before,
Posted 6 December 2024, 11:51 a.m. Suggest removal
birdiestrachan says...
When Cartwright grabbed the mace the clerks had to duck and it seems a glass broke, it was violence , and they talk about crime and persons taking actions into their own hands thus so many murders, Cartwright what do you tell your children that your rude behavior is the way to act ,
Posted 6 December 2024, 11:58 a.m. Suggest removal
Sickened says...
You so fool. You trying to be the next speaker of the house huh? ROFL
Posted 6 December 2024, 4:05 p.m. Suggest removal
birdiestrachan says...
What ever injuries occurred are the results of their actions, they should know that they could have walked out of the house they choose to be carried out to add to their drama show, not so bright that crew madness and dumb,
Posted 6 December 2024, 12:07 p.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
Yes birdie,
You are very smart.
It is the FNM alone that has drug this country down this sordid path.
The PLP is a stellar political party, with all its members selflessly looking out for The People.
You are completely right in ALL of your brilliant and scholarly comments in this paper.
The FNM should go to hell and the spotless PLP should rule this country forever.
You are one well-educated citizen of this country and should actually be a leader of this great nation, instead of just commenting in your articulate manner..
Hats off to your illuminating and forward moving commentary.
Posted 6 December 2024, 12:42 p.m. Suggest removal
Sickened says...
Careful with your sarcasm Porcupine. Birdie is taking your comments to heart and is thinking about being the next speaker of the house.
Posted 6 December 2024, 4:07 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
The opposition's member representative Adrian White MP for St. Anne as clear as on a sunny day can be seen in a video of Wednesday's HOA proceedings @ 27:27 -- **Which has the named member -- **Standing up and walking over to the window and **looks to be opening the window** which but moments after Adrian returns to his seat -- Shanendon Cartwright, proceeds to make his dash for the Speaker's Mace which he hurled out of the same window. --**Did Adrian assist by opening the window?** -- The opposition continues to **adamantly deny** it was preplanned. -- Yet, never before has Adrian been seated in the first position, being closest to the window. --Yes?
Posted 6 December 2024, 12:24 p.m. Suggest removal
trueBahamian says...
The PM is funny along with the Speaker. The Opposition may have planned it but all the extras from the Spealer and the PM is laughable at best. The together statement is a joke. The PM should resign. There are just too much nonsense going on under his leadership.
Posted 6 December 2024, 9:29 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
@ComradeTrueBahamian, you're getting conditioned to being **lied** to 'all over again' -- Come National Election: -- Yes?
Posted 6 December 2024, 10:14 p.m. Suggest removal
birdiestrachan says...
The only nonsense is FNM nonsense . The picture of cartwright shows the picture of a mad and crazy man
Posted 7 December 2024, 2:44 p.m. Suggest removal
birdiestrachan says...
It seems like the woman behind Pintard is missing from the looney farm how is it they do not know they were being foolish breaking laws and making dishonor . Then they blame the police for their foolish actions criminals are criminals no matter what colour they wear.Santa colours are no excuse
Posted 7 December 2024, 6:36 p.m. Suggest removal
Log in to comment