The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

NEWLY appointed senator Michael Pintard promised to defend the rights of oppressed Bahamians during a ceremony yesterday when Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes presented him with his instruments of appointment.

Speaking at Government House, he said: “I am of a single parent home; grew up in the Coconut Grove; grew up in Yellow Elder, Fox Hill, many communities Over-the-Hill. My standing here is really a demonstration that we in the Bahamas certainly need to open opportunities for Bahamians from every single social class.

“And so, when I speak, I speak for those persons who were counted out, who were not seen as someone who should not sit around the table and I speak for those Bahamians who are disfranchised, who are presently being discriminated against not just because of their social class, but because of what political party they are a part of.”

Mr Pintard served as a senator during the previous FNM administration.

He was recently chosen to serve in that capacity again after a seat became vacant when John Bostwick’s appointment was revoked because of a pending ammunition possession trial.

In May, Mr Bostwick was arrested in the domestic section of the Grand Bahama International Airport. He was later arraigned before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt for alleged possession of 10 live rounds of .22 ammunition, which were found on Saturday, May 17.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $9,000 bail.