MPs Go Head-To-Head Over Family Island Banking

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – There was the heated exchange between Free National Movement leader and Marco City MP Michael Pintard and Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell in Parliament Wednesday afternoon. The clash followed the second reading of the Executive Entity Bill 2025, along with amendments to the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act, and two pieces of legislation aimed at restructuring the country’s financial sector.

The argument was triggered when the Marco City MP criticized the Davis administration for what he called a lack of banking infrastructure on the Family Islands.

Michael Pintard – Member of Parliament, Marco City

“Where was the frustration before the cuts began? Where was the outrage when the same thing happened on other islands? When Long Islanders spoke out? When members, where the member for Kid Island actually represents Oh, where? Where were, where were they? Madam Speaker?”

But Pintard didn’t stop there.

Michael Pintard – Member of Parliament, Marco City

“It’s the same member of Parliament, Madam Speaker, who came to Grand Bahama, Madam Speaker, to represent that he’s deeply concerned and wishes to contribute to the transformation of the island. But come back here and say, we talking foolishness about the, the risk to people’s homes and lives and the anxiety they have. Over losing everything that they have assembled, including their life because of the fires in Grand Bahamas. He was wrong, Madam Speaker, and he is wrong today.”

The comments didn’t sit well with the Fox Hill member of Parliament.

Fred Mitchell – Member of Parliament, Fox Hill

“All I said to the member on this occasion is don’t mischaracterize what I said. I was making fun of him. That’s the point. Not making fun of people’s, uh, how people live and the problems which they have. Those are serious issues, but he is an object of fun as far as I’m concerned.”

But it was Pintard’s response that got the MP fired up.

Michael Pintard – Member of Parliament, Marco City

“I would never participate in your fun, my brother. Never, ever, ever. No, I’m saying I’m no. Listen, what I’m, no, listen what I’m saying to you, what I’m saying to you. Don’t talk about fronting me. No. Listen to me. Just calm down, young man.”