Long Island MP Rebuked After “Beseeching” House Speaker

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – House Speaker Patricia Deveaux once again clashed with opposition members in Parliament on Monday.

It’s the latest back-and-forth erupting between the MP and House Speaker after the opposition member again tried to bring up the ongoing case in the United States involving a Bahamian in a drug scandal during debate, but like times past, was shut down again.

Our Joshua Williams was at Parliament on Monday morning and has this report.

As Opposition Leader Michael Pintard wrapped up his contribution to the debate, he once again called into question the credibility of St. Barnabas Member of Parliament Michael Halkitis.

Pintard says the opposition has new evidence with the minister’s connection to Top Notch Builders, a company owned by Eric Gardiner, a Bahamian currently locked up on drug charges in the U.S.

Now Pintard says he’s written to the Commissioner of Police about the new revelations, but he was once again shut down by government MPs and House Speaker Patricia Deveaux.

Patricia Deveaux – Speaker, House of Assembly

“Please not raise an issue that the Speaker has referred and once we have been apprised of the decision of that committee, then and only then that matter will be heard.”

But Pintard insisted, despite various points of order by governing MPs.

Michael Pintard – Leader of the Opposition

“The member is seeking to direct not just the Speaker, the third arm of government, the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice, but he’s seeking to direct what I say without having heard what I said.”

But it didn’t end there.

Fox Hill Member of Parliament Fred Mitchell rose to make a contribution, saying everyone should be responsible for protecting the image of our country. But Long Island MP Dr. Andre Rollins had this rebuttal.

Dr. Andre Rollins – MP, Long Island

“In 1989 the member for Fox Hill tore up and burned a copy of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas because, in his estimation, the country’s democracy was under threat.”

“If you wish to know who is defaming the reputation of the House, tell us who Politician One is, honorable member!”

Rollins has also had history in Parliament with the House Speaker, and that same story played out again in a heated back-and-forth.

Dr. Andre Rollins – MP, Long Island

“I beseech you, Madam Speaker. I beseech you. Yes, Madam Speaker.”

“I rebuke you, Madam Speaker. Why? I rebuke you. You better take a seat. I am tired of you challenging me, and you don’t know anything about me nor my character. Do you hear me? You don’t know me.”