My fellow Bahamians,
This morning, I made a Communication to Parliament updating the House and the Bahamian people on the steps we’ve taken since we first learned of an indictment in the United States which includes several members of our law enforcement agencies.
During the Communication, I announced that I met with the Commissioner of Police and that I had received and accepted his resignation.
I am recommending that the Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for the Northern District, Shanta Emily Knowles, be appointed as the nation’s next Commissioner of Police. She is a strong and seasoned professional, ready to lead the force through an era of substantial reform.
During the Communication I also announced new legislation to create, for the first time, independent oversight of the police. Independent oversight can play an essential role in strengthening trust between the police and the communities they serve.
Moments after the Minister of National Security rose to give his communication to introduce this legislation, the Leader of the Opposition Michael Pintard interrupted the Minister and requested to speak. The Speaker of the House reminded the Leader of the Opposition that the rules allowed statements by Cabinet Ministers at that time, and his request would be addressed at the appropriate point in the Order of Business.
The response of the members of the Opposition was to shout down the Speaker.
In a clearly planned and co-ordinated assault, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition Shanendon Cartwright and other Opposition Members then disrupted the proceedings and grabbed the Speaker’s mace. Deputy Leader Cartwright threw the mace out, where it landed a very short distance below, on bleachers in place for Junkanoo.
In the ensuing struggles, the Deputy Speaker and a policeman were injured. The Deputy Speaker suffered a concussion, and the policeman suffered a leg injury. They were both taken to the hospital to receive medical treatment. The policeman has been discharged and was given five days off from work. And the Deputy Speaker will remain hospitalized overnight for observation.
My Fellow Bahamians:
I would have hoped that at a moment when our country’s reputation is under fire, that all of us could move forward together, and put country first.
Unfortunately, the Members of the Opposition chose to put on a show instead.
At a time when the parliament is addressing such a serious national issue, how could any patriotic person think this is the right time to interrupt the people’s business?
How did Michael Pintard think these puerile antics would reflect on our nation or the Bahamian people?
Before the uproar, I invited the Leader of the Opposition to meet with me straight after the session, to consult with him as to the appointment of the next Commissioner of Police.
This is a serious constitutional moment, requiring serious consideration by serious people.
In attempting to emulate the efforts of Sir Lynden Pindling and Sir Milo Butler, the Opposition shows they fundamentally do not understand the meaning of that moment, or their responsibilities in this moment.
There will be time for politics.
But today was not that time.
The moment called for statesmanship, not self-indulgent theatrics.
Their conduct in the House today cannot be justified.
We hope that they will learn to be more serious about the business of the people.
We should confront our most difficult challenges as one national community.
Our government is focused on change and reform.
As the Royal Bahamas Police Force moves forward under very capable new leadership, additional updates about personnel, operations, and oversight will be shared with the public.
I am grateful to the many Bahamians who are stepping up to meet this moment.
May God Bless every one of us, and May God Bless The Bahamas.