Pickstock takes on Rollins with “head get slap” comment

A remark by Golden Isles MP Darron Pickstock during the budget debate in the House of Assembly today sparked a brief exchange with Long Island MP Andre Rollins and revived memories of a widely publicized parliamentary incident from more than a decade ago.

During his contribution to the debate, Pickstock stated, "Who the cap fit, let their head get slap."

Rollins immediately rose on a point of order and asked Pickstock whom he was referring to. Pickstock responded that he had not mentioned anyone by name.

The exchange came as Pickstock responded to concerns raised by Rollins regarding proposed amendments to the Bahamas Nationality Act.

The comment drew attention because Rollins was involved in a highly publicized confrontation in the House of Assembly more than a decade ago when he was slapped by then-Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner.

The proposed nationality amendment has been the subject of public discussion following questions about its implications for citizenship and immigration.

Addressing those concerns, Pickstock said that the amendment "does not establish a new immigration category, create a loophole within the immigration system, or provide an alternative route to citizenship."

He said the purpose of the bill is to modernize an existing administrative provision and increase the applicable document fee from $50 to $500.

"It is important to note that the eligibility for citizenship and permanent residency remains unchanged," Pickstock said.

He added that the amendment maintains the same constitutional process that has existed under successive administrations.

"I wish to re-iterate; this is the same structured constitutional process that has existed for years under successive administrations," Pickstock said.