National

“The Power Rests In The Hands of the Bahamian People”

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Chaos erupted in Parliament today as the Speaker’s mace, a symbol of authority, was hurled out of the window, leading to pandemonium inside and outside the House of Assembly.

Published

1 year ago

December 4, 2024

Joshua Williams

Chaos erupted in Parliament today as the Speaker’s mace, a symbol of authority, was hurled out of the window, leading to pandemonium inside and outside the House of Assembly. Thousands witnessed the shocking moments on live television and in Parliament Square.

The incident echoed the infamous 1965 “Black Tuesday,” when then-Opposition Leader Lynden Pindling threw the mace outside during a heated session. This time, however, the uproar stemmed from Opposition Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright, who acted after the Speaker denied opposition time to address a U.S. indictment involving Chief Police Superintendent Elvis Curtis, Sergeant Prince Symonette, and RBDF Chief Petty Officer Darrin Roker over drug trafficking allegations.

Police restrained Cartwright as Speaker Patricia Deveaux adjourned the session for 15 minutes. The disruption escalated, with police officers forcibly removing opposition members from the House.

Footage showed members of the Free National Movement (FNM) being carried out by police.

House Clerk David Forbes confirmed that Deputy House Speaker Sylvanus Petty and the Sergeant at Arms were injured during the altercation and were treated at the hospital.

Protest March Adds Fuel to the Fire

The day began with opposition supporters marching to Bay Street, carrying a casket draped in the Bahamian flag and shouting, “Democracy is dead.” Tensions escalated as FNM supporters clashed verbally and physically with police.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Opposition
“We are prepared to be disruptive without being violent. And we are saying to the officers that are here today, we want you to do your job, but your job is to protect the people.”

As the House drama spilled into the streets, the crowd swelled into the hundreds.

Detained Opposition Members Released

Eventually, detained opposition members, including Shanendon Cartwright, were released.

Shanendon Cartwright – Deputy Leader, Opposition
“This was a moment where we were saying to the Parliament and this government and the Speaker that the Bahamian people will not be silenced. We will not allow them to silence the Bahamian people directly or through the opposition. It was important to let them know that power resides with the Bahamian people.”