The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

ACTIVIST Lincoln Bain, along with several supporters, were arrested yesterday outside of the House of Assembly after scores of them bombarded Parliament Square demanding that the government tackle what they deemed an “immigration crisis”.

Ahead of the chaotic scene, Mr Bain, the leader of the Coalition of Independents and his supporters, handed  members of Parliament entering the House of Assembly printed copies of a bill they want the government to amend.

The group is seeking the support of the government in banning illegal immigrants born in The Bahamas from applying for citizenship. 

“Today, we are actually delivering a bill to members of Parliament,” Mr Bain said before the scene became rowdy. “We have printed copies of a bill to amend our immigration laws to prevent illegal immigrants and their children from getting status in this country.

“We’re delivering it to each of the members of Parliament to give them an opportunity to do what’s right for the Bahamian people to protect our borders. There’s a crisis in Haiti right now and that crisis is spilling over to us and so we have to protect ourselves.”

Not long after, tempers flared as police officers engaged with Mr Bain and his supporters in an attempt to remove protestors from demonstrating on the steps of Parliament.

The police had requested that the group relocate to Rawson Square, but Mr Bain insisted otherwise.

Following this exchange, several supporters of the Coalition of Independents were arrested and taken to Central Police Station.

At one point, a group of supporters surrounded officers as they attempted to wrestle, apprehend and later arrest Mr Bain. He was handcuffed and placed in the backseat of a police car.

Mr Bain accused the government of fascism as he alleged being assaulted by police officers who were arresting him.

“The United Nations does not allow for political prosecution,” he said moments before being arrested yesterday.

“For me to be arrested delivering letters to the House of Assembly to  members of Parliament and then to be assaulted for no reason by a police officer that means we have gone to a gestapo state. We are now a factious nation,” he added.

As a result of the chaos in Parliament Square, police barricaded Parliament and Rawson Squares.

Following his arrest, supporters gathered outside of the Central Police Station where Mr Bain was taken.

In a statement last night, police said they were actively investigating an unlawful assembly in Parliament Square.

“Initial reports revealed that around 10am a group of persons were illegally gathered on Bay Street in front of the House of Assembly causing a disturbance.

“The group was asked to disperse which they refused; subsequently, nine persons were arrested for various offences inclusive of unlawful assembly, obstructing members of parliament access to the House of Assembly, disorderly behaviour and assaulting a police officer.”

Police said investigations continue.