The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

AFTER viewing the most recent clip of the proceedings of the Lower House of Parliament in which there was an exchange between the Honourable Speaker and the Member of Parliament for Long Island, I am enjoined again to write about the place where the people’s business is conducted and is always priority.

Coming to my mind were the stirring cadences of “March On, Bahamaland” that always resonate far beyond a mere melody; but it is the words that encapsulate the very essence of the Bahamian spirit, thus serving as a timeless beacon of national pride, unity, aspiration, and collective purpose.

Within the hallowed halls of the Parliament of The Bahamas (House of Assembly) often referred to as the Lower House), the Speaker is entrusted with a sacred guardianship of what occurs within those historical walls.

The Speaker (and the Members) play a pivotal role that transcends mere procedural oversight. Therefore, it demands an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every deliberation, every debate, and every legislative act reverberate with the national anthem’s foundational calls for inclusivity, respectful dialogue, and shared national advancement.

The stewardship that is expressed in the national anthem is paramount, as it directly underpins the integrity and democratic legitimacy of our legislative body.

By fostering an environment of equitable discourse, upholding the highest standards of decorum, and diligently facilitating the voice of the people, the Speaker’s chief tasks is to safeguard the dignity of all who enters those hallowed walls and public trust which is indispensable to the very fabric of our national identity and the enduring strength of our democratic institutions.

Those persons who have the honour of sitting in the Parliament of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas must do so with dignity and aplomb. so that the citizenry and particularly the impressionable youth can see and feel that their “house”…. is in good and reliable hands….indeed the people’s house and what takes place there is done in their name….and for their benefit…

The bedrock of any thriving democratic system lies in the unimpeachable integrity and exemplary conduct demonstrated by its legislative body.

The profound significance of maintaining decorum within parliamentary proceedings transcends mere formality; it is absolutely indispensable for the health and efficacy of governance of the nation itself.

Firstly, a dignified legislative environment is crucial for bestowing legitimacy upon institutional actions. When debates are conducted with gravity and respect, and decisions are reached through a process perceived as fair, respectful,  and thoughtful, the resulting legislation garners greater public acceptance and compliance. This perception of legitimacy is fundamental to the rule of law.

Secondly, the behaviour of elected representatives serves as a powerful national exemplar.

Parliamentarians, by virtue of their office, are under constant public scrutiny. Their adherence to ethical standards, their manner of dress, their language, and their interactions within the chamber set a benchmark for civil discourse and civic engagement across the nation, particularly influencing younger generations’ learning about democratic values and processes.

Thirdly, a culture of mutual respect actively fosters more effective governance. Even amidst profound ideological divisions, an atmosphere of decorum facilitates constructive dialogue, allows for the nuanced exchange of ideas, and ultimately paves the way for more robust and pragmatic policy-making.

Citizens rightly hold their elected Members of Parliament to an exceptionally high standard. They expect these individuals to epitomise ethical leadership, embodying virtues of respect, civility, and professionalism.

This expectation extends to meticulous adherence to procedural rules, engagement in Rigorous yet Respectful debate, and an unwavering commitment to public service – completely free from ad hominem attacks, inflammatory rhetoric, or undignified spectacles. The ideal vision of a legislative assembly is that of a forum for reasoned deliberation and the collaborative crafting of policy for the national good.

However, the contemporary political landscape often presents a stark and concerning contrast to these deeply cherished ideals. Modern parliaments frequently grapple with intense partisan polarisation, exacerbated by the relentless demands of a 24/7 news cycle and social media. This confluence of factors can transform legislative debates into highly combative and often acrimonious exchanges.

While vigorous debate is an inherent and healthy component of democracy, instances of unparliamentary language, personal denigration, and disruptive behaviour unfortunately risk eclipsing substantive policy discussions and debate

Such perceived departures from expected decorum inevitably attract significant public criticism, igniting concerns about the fundamental integrity of the political process and steadily eroding public faith in the efficacy and trustworthiness of democratic institutions.

In recognition of the vital importance of upholding these standards, most legislative bodies have meticulously crafted comprehensive codes of conduct and procedural rules designed to enforce decorum. These robust frameworks are not merely ornamental; they actively seek to regulate member behaviour, cultivate respectful interaction, and deter actions that could diminish the gravitas of the institution.

For instance, the United Kingdom Parliament after which the Bahamas has supposedly modelled, and operates under a detailed Behaviour Code outlining expected conduct, while on the hand, the United States House of Representatives  maintains intricate rules explicitly prohibiting personal attacks and governing conduct within the legislative chamber itself.

Beyond specific national rules, broader ethical principles, such as those compiled by organisations like the National Democratic Institute, offer a global perspective on universal standards expected of parliamentarians.

These frameworks typically delineate acceptable language, establish clear procedures for calling members to order (such as the “words taken down” mechanism in the U.S. House), and outline potential sanctions for violations. Their authority is derived from a rich tapestry of historical precedents, established standing orders, and leadership directives, providing a structured and authoritative approach to maintaining order and dignity.

Ultimately, the persistent tension between the aspirational ideal of parliamentary decorum and the often-turbulent realities of political discourse constitutes a continuous and profound challenge for democratic systems across the globe.

The diligent and impartial enforcement of established codes, coupled with a renewed and genuine commitment from parliamentarians themselves to embody these principles, is absolutely essential.

This collective effort is critical not only for safeguarding the inherent dignity of legislative institutions but, more importantly, for reinforcing public confidence in their capacity to effectively serve the multifaceted interests of the Bahamas and its people…

DR DONALD

M McCARTNEY

Nassau,

June, 2026.It seems the spectre of bullying never goes away – and social media seems to simply make it easier to share the shame.

A video of an attack on a 13-year-old boy has gone viral. In it, the boy is seen to be being chased across the grounds of C.H. Reeves Junior High School, with the attackers threatening to have the boy’s “head”.

The boy’s mother is particularly upset that despite her son seeking help from the school after the attack at summer school on Thursday, she was not contacted and no steps were taken to make sure he arrived home safely.

As she asked, “What CH Reeves’ teachers thinking? Are they not parents?”

The video shows the boy being surrounded by at least eight other boys. At one point, one of the boys says, disturbingly, “see the knife right here”.

The boy himself later told his mother that he felt like the boys were going to try to kill him.

Seven years ago in this column, we wrote about the all-too-common reality of weapons in school, such as knives, and how a knife has no place in a school bag.

At the time, one CC student told The Tribune that students “definitely” carried weapons to school, while another 15-year-old told of how “everyone just riding with gangs” and that students felt afraid to walk home from school. Other students talked of the pressure to be part of gangs to avoid bullying.

Psychiatrist Dr David Allen warned of how we “can’t have a country where children can’t walk home safely”, while former gang leader turned crime consultant Carlos Reid warned of how “we have moved from youth gangs to organised gangs”.

We wrote all the way back then that this is not a new problem, but one that it was past time to address. If it was past time seven years ago, then we should be very far past the point where it has been addressed by now.

Instead, we have a situation where a boy asked for help from his school, and his school did not even contact his mother to tell her.

She found out when he came home earlier than usual. He told her some boys tried to fight him at school, and she became more worried when she saw a lump on his head and swelling on his cheek.

It was only when her neighbour’s daughter saw the video that she learned more.

How can we be in a position where a school is made aware of a problem but a parent only finds out when a video circulates and shows their child? Families of All Murder Victims president Khandi Gibson is right when she says that a meeting should already have been held with all parents to seek a resolution.

The moment that kind of incident took place, all parents should have been contacted – and the police too if necessary. The Tribune contacted the police to find out if an investigation had begun, but the press liaison had no answer by the time of going to press. We will continue to seek an answer.

Ms Gibson has been in the position of working with all too many victims of violence, so hers is a voice that should be heard. She urged the community to take a stand against bullying, and hailed the 13-year-old as a hero for getting away from a dangerous situation.

It is now several days on from the incident, and the school should without question act to reinforce that bullying is not acceptable. Those involved in the incident should be spoken to, and their parents advised. Further disciplinary measures may be necessary. Those who struck the boy may well be in a position where they might be arrested for assault, if deemed necessary.

We tell our children that if they are being bullied, they should tell someone. That advice cannot get a child very far if no one listens, or if no one takes action.

We must not let our children feel as if they are on their own, with no help if it is needed. If a teacher does not listen, tell a parent, tell a police officer, tell someone who will listen.

The Bahamas Crisis Centre is also available if you need to report bullying. Email bahamascrisiscentre@gmail.com or call 328-0922.

Stand with your friends. If they are being bullied, tell those who are doing it to stop – and again, go and tell someone what has happened.

Parents, look for the signs that your child is being bullied – such as coming home with bruises or with damaged clothes, having trouble with school work for no reason, taking different routes home from school, having nightmares or emotional outbursts, being afraid of going to school or pretending to be sick.

There should be no place for fear in our education system. The most elementary thing that our children should be able to expect is safety at school – and that when they are not safe and they tell an adult that they are heard.

If we cannot even inform parents when there is an incident of bullying such as this at school, then we are failing at the first hurdle.

We must keep our children safe. It is the most basic requirement of a civilised society. How can we possibly look to a better tomorrow if we do not show compassion for those who will create that future?