NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Tensions boiled over inside the House of Assembly this morning, ending with Long Island MP Dr. Andre Rollins being ordered removed from the chamber.
So what sparked all this?
It started when House Speaker Patricia Deveaux gave Pinewood MP Myles LaRoda the go-ahead to begin the second reading of two companion bills: the Magistrates Bill and the Justices of the Peace Bill.
However, Long Island MP Dr. Andre Rollins wasn’t having it.
He insisted that the house should first deal with question time, arguing that the opposition had a right to question government ministers.
Dr. Andre Rollins – Member of Parliament, Long Island
“Madam Speaker, respectfully, we would request from the chair that you cause for there to be a motion put before the house so that we can do away with the opposition’s right to have a question, as according to the rules we are entitled to. If the majority does not wish for this democracy to operate as intended, they have a right to go ahead and vote it down.”
That prompted the House Speaker to turn to page 6 of her rule book.
Patricia Deveaux – House Speaker
“The speaker in the house, and the chairman in committee, shall regulate the conduct of business in all, not provided for these rules of procedure, and may be guided in their decisions, not yours.”
That then turned into an explosive shouting match, resulting in the Long Island MP being ordered to be removed.
Following the exchange, Exuma MP Chester Cooper requested a 5-minute break, bringing proceedings to a temporary halt.
When the proceedings resumed, House Speaker Deveaux noted that while she did not name Dr. Rollins, she condemned his behavior.
Patricia Deveaux – House Speaker
“Very unfortunate to the speaker in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, where the world is watching us, certain things—and I don’t care what it is and how it is, I stand on principles, I stand by rules.”
While house proceedings continued as normal, members of the opposition packed up their things and left in unison, where they held a brief press conference in the minority room to address the matter.
There, the Long Island MP offered an apology while standing firm on his intent.
Dr. Andre Rollins – Member of Parliament, Long Island
“I said something in frustration, but I used a word that is unparliamentary to say the least, and I do unreservedly apologize for that.”
