By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FNM MPs clashed with police in the House of Assembly yesterday after officers attempted to forcibly remove Opposition Leader Hubert Minnis from parliament.
More than ten officers, including Assistant Commissioners of Police Leon Bethel and Stephen Seymour, swarmed the lower chamber in a bid to enforce an order that Dr Minnis be banned from the House after he was named for refusing to withdraw comments made against Prime Minister Perry Christie.
FNM parliamentarians locked arms to prevent officers from getting to Dr Minnis who sat in the middle seat of the front opposition bench.
Three officers went to each side of the bench in an attempt to grab Dr Minnis, and began to scuffle with South Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly who was seated to Dr Minnis’ right and Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn, seated to his left.
The debacle shocked occupants in the packed gallery, included among them two Freedom Farm Baseball youth teams, and suffragette Ruby Ann Cooper Darling.
As onlookers murmured loudly amongst themselves, police continued to tussle with Mr Neilly and Mr Lightbourn until FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler Turner barked at police: “Don’t touch us; don’t put your hands on us; we will leave.”
Police immediately stopped, and Dr Minnis – followed by all but one FNM MP – left the House to hold a press conference outside.
In support of Dr Minnis, seven FNM parliamentarians stormed out of the lower chamber and have vowed not to return until the Killarney MP’s two-session suspension is complete.
FNM MP Edison Key did not join the party press conference outside, and when parliament resumed he was the only FNM MP present.
The lower floor of the House descended into chaos as the police tried to manage the guests, politicians, staff and members of the press all attempting to leave the building.
Once outside, the general public and members of the press were barred by police from re-entering the building for several minutes.
Dr Minnis was named and suspended by House Speaker Kendal Major after he refused to withdraw “offensive” comments ahead of the continued debate on the Stem Cell Research and Therapy Act 2013 – which was passed last night.
Dr Major told Minnis in mid-July he would not be allowed to speak in the House until he withdrew claims he made about Prime Minister Perry Christie’s relationship with Lyford Cay resident and fashion mogul Peter Nygard.
Yesterday, Dr Minnis’ actions were branded as nonsensical by Mr Christie, and PLP parliamentarians, all of whom accused the Killarney MP of grandstanding at the expense of the integrity of parliament.
However, Dr Minnis maintained that his party will continue to challenge familiarity between special interest groups and political parties or governments, stating that it does not bode well for open, accountable government.
On the steps of the House, Dr Minnis pointed to reports that embattled scientist and former Chairman of the Government’s stem cell task force, Dr Arthur Porter had made contributions to the PLP prior to the 2012 General Election.
Before the morning debate, Dr Major asked Dr Minnis to provide evidence or withdraw allegations of corruption he made against Prime Minister Perry Christie during the July 17 session.
Dr Major added that while the comments were expunged from the House records, the Killarney MP was still obliged to follow procedural commands.
Dr Major said: “The Chair has exercised great restraint in invoking reparation for the offending remarks and gross violations of our rulle by the member for Killarney. The member had 14 opportunities during this period of confrontation with the Chair seeking to justify his actions.
He added: “The member had previously addressed this parliament during the early stages of the debate, yet the member chose this moment to display defiance and disrespect.”
Dr Minnis rose to speak but was shut down by Dr Major after the Killarney MP stated he had no intention to submit to the order.
Dr Minnis said: “In my entire life, I have never seen half the police force converged in Parliament Square and in Parliament to arrest one man, to arrest me...this is the most happiest day of my entire life. I have never felt so great that I am fighting for a cause.”
Dr Minnis was asked to take his seat, and in response Opposition members pulled out signs saying “Democracy will not be muzzled,” and passed them around to each other.
Dr Major ordered that Dr Minnis be named and barred from the House for two sittings, and asked the Killarney MP to leave parliament.
After Dr Minnis would not move, Dr Major called out to police officers for his removal and suspended the House for 15 minutes.
Despite numerous meetings with the Killarney MP to discuss the matter, Dr Major told press that he was surprised by Dr Minnis’ “disruptive behaviour”. Dr Minnis will be blocked by police from re-entering parliament for two consecutive sessions, according to Dr Major, who said that the Killarney MP will then have a “fresh start” and no longer have to withdraw comments.
Yesterday, Dr Minnis said: “Nothing that I do or say is meant to cause insult or injury to our democracy or to the House of Assembly where I am privileged to serve as a servant of the good people of Killarney and of the proud party that I am honoured to lead.
“Our parliamentary democracy precludes personal insults being exchanged between members, but does permit members to express reservations and concerns when they believe that others may, in their action, inaction or association, cause harm or insult to our democracy, or bring disrepute to our country.”
He added: “My belief, and hence my words, remain as on the first day they were uttered.”
The National Training Agency Bill 2013, and amendments to the Real Property Tax Act were also passed yesterday.
Comments
TalRussell 11 years, 2 months ago
House policeman's on the ready to eject Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition Leader.
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2013…
henny 11 years, 2 months ago
If Dr. Minnis's comments were expunged why should he have to withdraw the comments made? He is not above the law but he does have a right to his opinion. With all the other foolishness going on within the parties this should not have happened having the police involved. When will the government leaders start acting like adults and stop acting as if they are in grade school?? Dr. Minnis.....Continue to speak up for your rights.
Reality_Check 11 years, 2 months ago
Edison Key has every right to be embarrassed and ashamed at the actions of Minnis and his other fellow FNM MPs. Mr. Key is well known to be a leopard who is quite capable of changing his spots in situations where the level of his embarrassment becomes too intolerable to bear. No skin off of Minnis's back though....the FNM leader would likely prefer someone sitting in Eddy's house seat is "differently perplexed"!
TalRussell 11 years, 2 months ago
Bahamaland couldn't have born no politician with a greater fondness for making political party switches, as long as they hold the reigns of power. Be charitable towards Comrade Edison who will be a much more crankier 80 year-old-man by the time the 2017 General Election rolls around. Ask yourself, why in the hell would a known political opportunist want to hang around with Minnis and Loretta, during his last days to sit in the House as a MP. Would you if you were in Edison's shoe?. Besides, he misses his House sparring matches with Bamboo Town's Bran. Now, Comrades close your eyes and pretend Loretta is still in the House at age 80, where the only change would be the slap response be much slower. Remember how I predicated a red shirts circus act way back in July 2012? It done arrived!
banker 11 years, 2 months ago
Edison Key wants approval for a huge acreage of Abaco land for a "farming operation", so he will kiss anybody's .... to get it. In any situation, Edison Key is part of the problem and not part of the solution. He was so right when he said that the only thing that matters to him is Edison Key. The sins of his past will loom large with the Recording Angel.
FACTSPOLICE 11 years, 2 months ago
Just go and get all those Tapes on past meetings in the house! The PLP has always been acting like animals in the House of Assembly! I think if you rewind you will see just how stupid and immature they act! This is not about politics, its about order! Mr. Minnis is not against Stem Cell, please read his communication on it. Sorry, but this Gov't is incompetent! We had an honest government in party, we took them out, all because of selfish gains. When Bahamians start to stand up for Country First instead of self, then we can begin to move forward! Shameful!
positiveinput 11 years, 2 months ago
n we wonder y with other matters official information is leaked, check out 'George' in the top left
FACTSPOLICE 11 years, 2 months ago
How can the Police raise a hand to touch the Opposition Leader! He did nothing wrong, DO NOT TRY TO FLIP THE SCRIPT! thats what the PLP like to do, trying to make people believe the FNM's are unruly. Intelligent people know better! The opposition is correct in questioning the regulations! Educate yourselves please.
lazybor 11 years, 2 months ago
We are falling deeper...
http://tinyurl.com/c7l9ck6" width="1">
TalRussell 11 years, 2 months ago
Oh yeah ... red shirts falling deeper, deeper, deeper into their fantasy land, that somehow it will bring out the childish thoughts in them, that soon we will again be the regime back holding all that government power. Comrades do yourself a big favor and never awake from your fantasy land, cause you'll be met with only great ... disappointment.
The_Oracle 11 years, 2 months ago
Red shirt, yellow shirt, I trust neither. Both have shown no capacity to earn anyone's trust. Both play the game....
Stapedius 11 years, 2 months ago
Totally agree Oracle. Idiots all around.
Stapedius 11 years, 2 months ago
Oh boy. We play the game of politics at such a clumsy stupid level in this country. Everything has to be over dramatic. Both sides do it and we continue to call them honourable. What a pathetic bunch we have in our Parliament. Everyone wants some great historic moment of being scruffed out of the chambers because they believe they're being silenced. We really need to graduate to a much higher thought process in this country. It seems all too easy and nowadays more common for people to throw a tantrum in the house. Again, Mrs. Butler-Turner, at the centre of it all. A large and in charge attitude. When will the FNM realize that Minnis is not the one. He simply doesn't have the salts. I would consider supporting them if they got their act together. Sorry, I'm from the generation they once called X. But I will say to these political leaders that is what we should call your generation. Not much has happened in this country in 25+ years. Marginal development and a declining education standard. We need to do better.
moncurcool 11 years, 2 months ago
It is amazing how double standards are in parliament. When Glenys Martin did her stunt a couple of years ago after being named by the speaker, the PLP did not think here actions were nonsensical. When the police came to remove her, Bernard Nottage was the one standing up telling the police they can't touch them and all over the news telling people the police had no right to touch them.
How is it that Bernard Notage does not tell the police officers now that they have no right to touch the opposition members.
Be careful when you spit in the wind, because it will come back to you. This is just the chickens coming back home to roost. That is why if you can't take it you better not dish it out.
TalRussell 11 years, 2 months ago
Comrade Stapedius, I'm not go'in argue which political party's actions is the more pathetic of the two. But you gotta be fair, willing be more forceful when it comes to them red shirts regime's earthly sins committed against Bahamaland. You don't have to be evil to sin. Sin in your eyes has to go much deeper than plain pathetic behavior? There must be severe "lasting" consequences for their political acts of sin. And, they varies wildly from 2007-2012. Now that we have an understanding about political sins payback, I'll invite you to keep working at flushing them out, regardless the color of they shirts, least many forgets. We Bahamalanders, like God, might be willing to forgive but not forget. I'll be sticking with my story right into the 2017 General Elections, and all By elections. Join with the already over 20,000 Bahamalanders who are ready to support and work to see a new young, vibrant "free from brainwashing" force enter the political arena, in time to prepare to speak to the important issues that will have to be addressed during the 2017 General Elections.
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2013…
GQ 11 years, 2 months ago
Edison Key is the ultimate opportunist. He will kiss whoever's backside to get what he wants. One report today says he is getting a eighty thousand dollar a year job (now Tal you know he could cut you in for a little of that). Used to be said in Abaco that he should run for Andros since that is all he talked about.
Mr. Key, if there is any honor left in you why don't you waltz across the floor in Parliament and wear the yellow shirt because many believe your complexion inside and out never looked good in RED.
Stapedius 11 years, 2 months ago
GQ you are so right. Key is like a Leprachaun hoppng from side to side. He must have a pot of gold hidden in Abaco. He won't be waltzing anywhere I'm sure. A stubborn, self interested man.
GQ 11 years, 2 months ago
I would hope the FNM has in their bylaws some measure to "Kick Key Out." Maybe Abaco should start a petition to "KICK THE RASCAL OUT!' I believe the FNM's election slogan at one time was "Kick the rascals out!"
Come on Abaco you were once known as a no nonsense group, now is the time to put fire in your bellies and demand Key WALTZ or resign.
SP 11 years, 2 months ago
Dr. Minnis, Loretta Butler and the rest of the FNM yellow-backs sat back for 5 years like mute, retarded jellyfish while Hubert Ingraham ran the country into the toilet.
Neither had the backbone to even remotely object to anything from the "one man band".
Suddenly, now that they are powerless and obviously still shell shocked from defeat at the polls they won't shut up and object to everything the PLP does....simply to oppose....DUMB.
The PLP might not be the answer but one thing for certain is that Hubert Ingraham saw to it that everyone associated with his FNM leadership is finished.
Dr. Minnis have flipped flopped and talked so much trash no one will take him seriously ever again.
Loretta Butler Turner is the shadow image of Hubert Ingraham, no couth, crass, unpolished with a big mouth that speedily engages before initiating brain contact, and on an undeniable similar path to self destruction.
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