Party Chairmen Clash Over Handling of “Politician-1” Investigation

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The alleged involvement of a Bahamian politician in a drug scandal has grabbed headlines since last month’s general election.

A criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claims a politician was caught on a wiretap with an undercover U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Agent in a Parliament in 2024, discussing a possible drug deal.

It’s the same affidavit members of the opposition tried more than once to table in Parliament since the budget debate began last week.

However, the move has been repeatedly blocked by House Speaker Patricia Deveuax.

Each time, it often ends in a heated back and forth between the speaker and opposition members.

FNM Chairman Dr. Duane Sands says it’s raising a lot of questions.

Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement

“The Guardian summed it up. They said “words and rulings carry consequences for the reputation of Parliament itself, and increasingly they are inviting questions about whether the chair is acting as an impartial guardian of the institution.”

Last week, Deveaux, called the affidavit’s allegations “frivolous and malicious gossip.”

At a press conference last week, U.S. Ambassador Herschel Walker told everyone to wait and see when asked by reporters about the speaker’s assessment.

However, back in Parliament, the speaker has advised the opposition to take the matter to the police if they have any evidence – something they just did last Thursday when they formally wrote to the police commissioner, requesting a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

Then on the other side of the political divide, PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell is describing the move as a political stunt.

Fred Mitchell – Chairman, Progressive Liberal Party

“Michael Pintard has served in government and he must know that in issues of national security, the Parliament, members of Parliament, foreign affairs, the intelligence agencies of our country, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and the defense force all have a role to play, and this is not normally triggered by some PR stunt.”

“Throughout this drama the FNM has been pulling in the house over this matter, we have sought to protect the reputation of this country.”

Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement

“There’s hardly a single band in our history that has had such a profound influence on the future of The Bahamas as the establishment of the House of Assembly, this institution and assimilation contributed to our history of political stability, but you know the pirates are still with us.”