Local resident Navardo Saunders was reportedly taken into custody late last week in connection with a song that is said to be disrespectful to the Prime Minister, his family, other members of parliament, and to have also mentioned Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney.

In Parliament on Friday, the matter was mentioned and members from each party spoke on the issue. While the Free National Movement, the Progressive Liberal Party and DNA all indicated that the song is discourteous, the Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement and MP for East Grand Bahama, K. Peter Turnquest told The Freeport News on Sunday that he does not believe Saunders has done anything wrong or was involved in the creation or promotion of that song.

“I understand that he was detained and taken to Nassau without charge, questioned and released. What is questionable in that regard is, why did the Police feel compelled to take him to Nassau for questioning rather than conduct the investigation here in Freeport.

Turnquest asked: ”Do we not have competent investigators here?”

Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama Peter Turnquest. (Photo: Jenneva Russell)

The MP for East Grand Bahama further questioned taking him (Saunders) to the capital and releasing him late afternoon on Friday, without charging him with  a crime.

“Why was he not provided with overnight accommodations and a plane ticket to return to his home in Grand Bahama?”

Turnquest also implied that the Police still have possession of a computer and cellphone belonging to Saunders.

The Opposition Deputy Leader made sure to reiterate what Dr. Hubert Minnis, Leader of the Opposition stated in Parliament on Friday.

“All right- thinking Bahamians should and would soundly condemn the contents of that song and to the extent criminal activity is determined it should be pursued vigorously as this is not the kind of conduct that we want to encourage,” said Dr. Minnis.

Additionally, Turnquest stated that as a society we must also ensure the protection and freedom of speech and expression by an increasingly frustrated society.

“I trust that this incident will serve as a serious warning to all that our words and actions do have consequences and that we will find more positive and productive ways to express our dissatisfaction and disgust with this failing government,” the MP said.

As of press time Sunday, The Freeport News was informed that two other adult males were in custody regarding the song.

By: Mia Whylly

Source: Freeport News/Guardian