It would seem that Parliament was convened today for no nobler cause than political theater—a dual-purpose exercise in power projection and holiday convenience. On one hand, we witnessed the calculated suspension of six Free National Movement (FNM) Members of Parliament, whose daring escapade of attempting to remove the ceremonial Mace and toss it out of the window was deemed an “embarrassment” by the powers that be. This act, while chaotic, symbolized a desperate plea for democratic accountability. But accountability is not on the menu in the New Day Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) cafeteria. The suspension is a brazen reminder of who holds the reins—a demonstration of brute force that renders the Speaker of the House little more than a puppet in this farcical production.

On the other hand, Parliament’s timing—just ahead of the Christmas break—is suspect. One might think the urgency would be to tackle critical national issues. But no, it appears the real objective is to clear the stage for the PLP’s next act: the Christmas Carnival. Yes, the same carnival that during their first year caused a national uproar when it mysteriously received approval to operate during a delicate phase of easing COVID-19 restrictions. Back then, no one in the government seemed to know how it was allowed in. Not the Prime Minister, not the Minister of Health, not the Minister of Foreign Affairs. It was only when the Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis addressed it that the public even learned of this bureaucratic ghost story. Yet here we are again, history seemingly preparing to repeat itself, this time with even more flair.

Curiously, Dr. Minnis himself was the sole FNM member spared the Speaker’s wrath. Coincidence?

Doubtful.

The Nassau Guardian’s recent article “PM: Our Reputation is Being Unfairly Tarnished” offers an intriguing backdrop to this saga. In it, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis laments that a recent U.S. indictment alleging corruption within Bahamian police, defense forces, and government officials is tarnishing the nation’s image. Tarnishing? That’s generous. If anything, this government’s own conduct has provided the tarnish—polished to a shine with every questionable decision and dodgy maneuver.

According to the Prime Minister, he called in the U.S. charge d’affaires for an explanation, only to be told she “didn’t know” about the matter. The Minister of Foreign Affairs then contacted the State Department, which allegedly reassured them that the indictment had “nothing to do with our relationship.” But what does “our relationship” mean here? Is it between the Bahamas and the United States, or something more… personal? And what exactly did the charge d’affaires “not know”? These vague statements raise more questions than answers, but obfuscation seems to be the hallmark of this administration.

Meanwhile, Dr. Minnis wasted no time in pointing out the inconsistencies. Speaking to The Tribune, he noted that during his tenure as Prime Minister, he was informed of an impending U.S. indictment. This time, however, the Davis administration claims ignorance. Minnis posited a troubling theory: either the Americans don’t trust this government, or the government is lying about being informed. Worse still, he suggested that someone within the government—or their close associates—might be implicated in the investigation. These are damning allegations that demand immediate attention, yet it appears we will have to wait until January 15, 2025, when Parliament reconvenes, to see if any light will be shed.

The Nassau Guardian article quotes Davis stating that the U.S. indictment “has nothing to do with our relationship.” But let’s not ignore the irony of this declaration being made at a luncheon with church leaders in Fox Hill. A mid-day prayer meeting might indeed be appropriate given the moral quagmire his administration seems to be wading through. Still, the timing raises eyebrows. Shouldn’t the Prime Minister and his cabinet spend their time addressing these serious allegations instead of offering ambiguous reassurances to clergy over lunch?

What we are left with is a deeply unsettling picture. A government more adept at spinning narratives than addressing substantive issues. A Parliament that prioritizes political vendettas and holiday festivities over governance. And a Prime Minister who seems more concerned with optics than accountability.

As 2024 draws to a close, the PLP faces a moment of reckoning. The events of December 4, 2024, have cast a long shadow, and the questions swirling around this administration’s relationship with the U.S. will not dissipate without clear answers. If the PLP hopes to salvage any credibility, it would do well to spend this Christmas break formulating a strategy—not for damage control, but for truth-telling. Because at this rate, 2025 won’t just start with a bang; it will begin with a reckoning.

The PLP’s fails for one reason, it is their nature.

END

[Farcical means something is so silly or extreme that it is hard to take seriously]