Chaos Unfolds in Bahamas Parliament as Mace is Thrown from Window

Background

On December 4th, a heated debate erupted in the Bahamas parliament after the indictment of senior police officers on drug trafficking charges sparked concerns about corruption.

The Incident

Deputy Opposition Leader Shanendon Cartwright, from the Free National Movement, threw a ceremonial mace out of a window during the commotion.

Cartwright approached Speaker Patricia Deveaux after she denied him the chance to speak, grabbed the parliamentary mace, and hurled it through a nearby window.

Causes of the Chaos

The chaos was sparked by the resignation of Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander following the indictment of three officers on drug trafficking charges.

The US Department of Justice accused the officers of being involved in a “massive cocaine importation conspiracy” aided by corrupt Bahamian officials, including high-ranking police members.

Details of the Conspiracy

Prosecutors revealed that since May 2021, traffickers had smuggled large quantities of cocaine through the Bahamas, using bribes ranging from $10,000 to $2 million to gain access to airports and Coast Guard intelligence.

One incident involved moving 1,320 pounds (600kg) of cocaine through the country’s main international airport.

Government Response

Prime Minister Philip Davis promised action against corruption and criticized the opposition for causing division at a time when the nation’s reputation is at stake.

Davis called the parliament incident a “planned assault,” claiming it left the deputy speaker with a concussion and a police officer with a leg injury.

Government’s Plan for Reform

Davis has announced plans to establish independent police oversight and recommended Shanta Emily Knowles, a seasoned assistant commissioner, as the next police chief to lead reforms.

Opposition’s Perspective

Cartwright argued that the government was suppressing the voices of the people and described the situation in the Bahamas as “shambles.”

Defending his actions, he said: “The mace symbolizes the speaker’s authority, given by the people. Today, we say enough is enough and return power to the people.”

Conclusion

The events in the Bahamas parliament highlight the deep-seated issues of corruption and the need for reform in the country’s law enforcement agencies. The government’s plan to establish independent police oversight and the opposition’s call for greater transparency and accountability are important steps towards addressing these concerns.

FAQs

* What sparked the chaos in the Bahamas parliament?
The indictment of senior police officers on drug trafficking charges sparked the chaos.
* Who threw the mace out of the window?
Deputy Opposition Leader Shanendon Cartwright
* What was the reason for Cartwright’s actions?
Cartwright argued that the government was suppressing the voices of the people and that the situation in the Bahamas was a “shambles.”
* What is the government’s plan to address the issue of corruption?
The government has announced plans to establish independent police oversight and has recommended Shanta Emily Knowles as the next police chief to lead reforms.

Shanendon Cartwright MP. Photo by Facebook.