NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Englerston MP Glenys Hanna-Martin on Wednesday accused the Minnis administration of being hypocritical in its position on a recent Democratic National Alliance (DNA) protest that led to several of the members being called in for police questioning.
Hanna-Martin, who was making a presentation in Parliament, cried shame on the government for what she labeled as political interference and a “flip-flop” from what they did while in opposition.
DNA Leader Arinthia Komolofe and others were questioned for over five hours at the Central Police Station on Monday in relation to a demonstration on March 3, during which the commissioner said the group “forcibly sought to gain their way into the Parliament”.
Attorney General Carl Bethel and Minister of National Security Marvin Dames have rejected any notion that the detention of DNA members was a result of political influence.
In defense of the DNA, Hanna-Martin pointed to the 2017 “We March” protest and noted that several members of the now government, including Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, were among protestors who attempted to occupy Rawson Square without a permit.
She laid in the House an article from the Tribune detailing the now historic day.
Organizers of the “We March” protest — which was led by now-Senator Ranard Henfield — were granted a permit to march from Arawak Cay to Pompey Square.
However, as hundreds of protestors gathered in Pompey Square, some protestors ignored the calls of organizers to abide by the permit and marched on Rawson Square for nearly 15 minutes.
Hanna-Martin said: “I stand today in solidarity with members of the DNA and I agree — enough is enough.
“There’s too much hypocrisy that being engaged in. And I agree with the member — plenty hypocrisy. In opposition you say one thing, and when you get in government you lock people up.
“That member didn’t get lock up, though, but he decides now he will be pristine with the law. The Bahamian people are watching”.
Rolle said the party did not obtain a permit to hold its demonstration three weeks ago.
He said when the planned event was brought to his attention, he advised an officer to ask the demonstrators to disperse, noting that the police force would deal with the matter later.
He insisted that he does not see political colors nor does he take instructions from politicians.
In separate interviews outside the Churchill Building on Tuesday, Bethel and Dames stressed that no one is above the law and the police force was the appropriate agency to investigate the alleged breaches.
