Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
Three males have been arrested for the murder of Donald Saunders, former Deputy Speaker of The Bahamas House of Assembly and former MP for Tall Pines and sitting Vice Chairman of the Free National Movement (FNM); Saunders was shot dead at a local bar around 9pm in Gambier Village in Nassau on Wednesday March 27.
Clayton Fernander, Commissioner of Police, informed that one of the arrested is helping the police with investigating the motive behind Saunders’ murder.
Current reports say it was an armed robbery gone wrong, but the general public is suspicious.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force informs that according to preliminary reports, Saunders and other individuals were seated at the business establishment in Gambier Village when the two men approached them with firearms demanding money.
Fernander, in giving more details of the robbery, turned murder, informs that one of the two gunmen approached Saunders, pushed the gun into his face and demanded cash, as revealed by witnesses. They say Saunders brushed away the man’s hand from his face, after which he was shot in his neck.
The Commissioner expressed that evidence shows the incident was a pre-meditated armed robbery.
He says the vehicle which the suspects arrived at the scene in was parked two corners away prior to the robbery and murder, parked in front of someone’s home. The information was likely picked up by newly installed CCTV cameras in the area; an installation confirmed by the member of parliament and former prime minister, Hubert Minnis when he spoke to the press at the scene of the crime.
Fernander says two witnesses are being located to hopefully speak out, to assist even further with the probe.
Saunders’ loved ones are hit hard with his untimely death. In footage of the scene, bone chilling screams and wailing can be heard, crying that brings tears to anyone’s eyes. Also, a man is seen running towards the body as police hold him back.
On site were Crime Consultant Carlos Reid and Archdeacon Keith Cartwright.
Various Bahamian officials have spoken in reaction to Saunders’ murder.
Micheal Pintard, leader of the FNM, took to twitter saying, “It’s with a heavy heart that I report the shocking murder of our colleague and friend, FNM Dep. Chair Don Saunders. We are still gathering all of the facts as we come to grips with this tragedy. On behalf of my wife Berlice and I, I extend my deepest sympathies to Don’s family.”
Lincoln Bain, Leader of the Coalition of Independents, also reacted in a press statement..
“Donald Saunders may have been a political opponent, but he was a friend and pillar of strength and integrity who stood by my side during some of the most challenging moments of my life,” further referring to his character as a man committed to justice, putting people before politics.
Bain continued to reminisce on Saunders’ resilience and bravery during the Cabbage Beach conflict in The Bahamas.
“I recall with deep gratitude the pivotal role Donald played as my attorney during moments of adversity. When I, along with others, was arrested for tearing down the gate blocking Bahamians from accessing Cabbage Beach, Donald fearlessly represented us pro bono, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the cause of justice,” he maintained.
Additionally, he mentioned that Saunders, his political opponent, stood with him and other associates, when they were unlawfully arrested at Baha Mar and Goodman’s Bay Beach, advocating for their rights at their initial court hearing.
Describing Saunders as a worthy opponent, the PLP also came forth with a message, sending condolences on behalf of the entire parliamentary team, to his family, alongside a message from the University of The Bahamas doing the same.
