National

PM: 15,000 People To Be Removed From Parliamentary Register

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The prime minister shared the latest development during Wednesday morning’s debate, as lawmakers seek to amend the Parliamentary Election Act before the summer break recess.

Published

4 months ago

August 6, 2025

Joshua Williams

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – About 15,000 names will have to be removed from the parliamentary register. The prime minister shared the latest development during Wednesday morning’s debate, as lawmakers seek to amend the Parliamentary Election Act before the summer break recess.

While the opposition says they support the strengthening of voter protection, a question was raised that sparked a back and forth between the leaders of both sides.

Our Joshua Williams was there and has the details.

Philip Davis – Prime Minister
That authority does not reside with a minister, a member of Cabinet or any political figure. The removal of deceased persons, qualified persons or ineligible persons is not a discretionary action. It is mandated by the law.

But opposition leader Michael Pintard, standing on a point of order, suggested the prime minister misinterpreted his question. He says they simply were asking for transparency.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Opposition
This is not an accusation. It is a request for further details, nor was it an attempt to again suggest any wrongdoing. So I just think it’s not necessary to overstate the point—just simply point to what was sent to you.

Davis responded that while he understood Pintard’s question, it’s not something he could answer. But Pintard accused the prime minister of being “cute” on the matter, saying Davis should be candid about the opposition’s question, adding that particular concern wasn’t the only one.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Opposition
Which we’ve expressed to the correct authority, which is the parliamentary commissioner. All we did is indicate in a letter to the prime minister several concerns that we have. So his attempt to mislead the public as if he understands the system and we don’t is incorrect.

But it did not stop there.

Philip Davis – Prime Minister
It is irresponsible to suggest wrongdoing without evidence. That’s what I said. See, sometimes you should listen… So to do so, you should be quiet.

Philip Davis – Prime Minister
Pintard—if in fact you were not issuing an accusation… I believe he’s qualified to handle the discussion by himself. You should be quiet.
Brave—If you present that case to the parliamentary commissioner for review under the legal procedures that now exist under the act. But it is not responsible to suggest wrongdoing without evidence.

The prime minister said anyone who believes they have been removed from the list has a right to challenge it.