Bahamas Parliament suspends session after lawmaker throws mace out window

A dramatic session of The Bahamas’ Parliament descended into chaos on Wednesday when Shanendon Cartwright, deputy leader of the opposition Free National Movement (FNM), threw the ceremonial parliamentary mace out of a window.

The incident came during a heated dispute over allegations of police corruption linked to drug trafficking. Cartwright, who represents St. Barnabas, seized the mace—a symbol of parliamentary authority—after Speaker Patricia Deveaux denied a request by Opposition Leader Michael Pintard to address accusations in a U.S. indictment alleging that members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) facilitated drug trafficking.

Standing in protest, Cartwright shouted, “Let the people speak!” before marching to the Speaker’s table. After struggling to open a window, he managed to toss the mace outside, prompting Deveaux to order his removal. Opposition lawmakers linked arms in an attempt to prevent Cartwright’s ejection but were ultimately forced out by police. Speaker Deveaux expressed dismay at the incident, describing it as unprecedented and dangerous.