The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

THE WOMAN who attempted to grab the mace at the opening of Parliament on Wednesday has been admitted to Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre where she is undergoing psychiatric evaluation.

Janice Curtis, 46, a resident of Misty Gardens, was taken to the facility Wednesday evening to undergo psychiatric testing.

Earlier that day, while sitting in the gallery in the House of Assembly, Ms Curtis lunged towards mace bearer, David Forbes, shortly before 11am in attempt to grab the mace.

She later told reporters “God” had told her to do it.

House of Assembly Speaker Dr Kendal Major said he has ordered an evaluation of Ms Curtis before deciding whether charges will be brought against her.

Under law, the penalty for the “egregious act” is a $600 fine and/or six months in prison.

However, Dr Major said special consideration might be given pending the outcome of the evaluation.

He said the woman was intentionally seated by police due to her strange behaviour when she first entered the House, adding that she was seen removing her shoes and rubbing her feet on the carpet.

While Dr Major confirmed that the woman did not attend the House regularly, he said she had been seen wandering in the area before and several members greeted her in the gallery.

According to Dr Major, the woman’s action’s were in breach of Rule 25 of the Senate and House of Assembly Powers and Procedures Act, which deals with “persons who intend to molest or bring harm to the fittings or outfits of the House”.

Since the incident, many persons have called for Ms Curtis to be “set free” claiming she was a victim of her circumstances.

One reader wrote: “She is just a woman tired of being taken advantage of by the system. Let her go.”

Another person wrote: “She came to the house with a heavy heart, she just needs some help, not to be locked up. I hope she gets the help she needs.”

Ms Curtis has been banned from the House of Assembly.