Opposition Legislators Suspended from Parliament

Deputy leader of the main opposition Free National Movement (FNM), Shanendon Cartwright, throwing the mace through the window last Wednesday.

Six Opposition Legislators Suspended

Six opposition legislators, including Opposition Leader Michael Pintard, have been suspended from two sittings of the Parliament for the role they played in last week’s scene when the mace was thrown out of the chamber.

Reason for Suspension

The suspension came after St Barnabas MP Cartwright threw the mace out of a window last Wednesday in frustration over the Speaker’s failure to clarify whether Pintard would be allowed to address explosive allegations in a US federal indictment.

Speaker’s Reaction

Speaker Deveaux described last Wednesday’s uproar, in which opposition MPs were forcibly removed from the House, as an unprecedented and deeply troubling breach of the etiquette and respect required in House proceedings. She said the opposition’s actions were disgraceful and a blatant disrespect for the chair’s authority.

Opposition Leader’s Response

Pintard regarded the move to suspend the opposition legislators as an effort to silence them and vowed to continue fighting and speaking up on behalf of the Bahamian people.

Government’s Response

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, who is also the Leader of Government Business, moved to suspend Pintard, Cartwright, Kwasi Thompson, Adrian White, Adrian Gibson, and Iram Lewis. Munroe said the opposition was responsible for their punishment and accused them of trying to create rules and have their way.

Conclusion

The suspension of the opposition legislators has sparked controversy and debate in the Bahamian Parliament. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining respect and decorum in the House of Assembly.

FAQs

* What was the reason for the suspension of the opposition legislators?
+ The suspension was due to their role in throwing the mace out of the House of Assembly.
* Who was the Deputy leader of the main opposition Free National Movement (FNM) who threw the mace?
+ Shanendon Cartwright was the Deputy leader of the main opposition Free National Movement (FNM) who threw the mace.
* What was the reaction of the Speaker of the House?
+ The Speaker described the incident as an unprecedented and deeply troubling breach of the etiquette and respect required in House proceedings.