Bahamas police announce shooting death of prominent opposition party politician News
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Bahamas police announce shooting death of prominent opposition party politician

The Royal Bahamas Police Force announced on Thursday that they are investigating a shooting incident that killed former Bahamian parliamentarian and deputy chairman of the Free National Movement Party Donald Saunders.

According to the police, the shooting occurred before 9:00 PM local time on Wednesday in Gambier Village. Saunders was seated outside a business establishment when he and other patrons were confronted by two masked gunmen who demanded cash from them. Saunders was subsequently shot in the upper torso after the gunmen opened fire when patrons panicked and fled for refuge. Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said that Saunders was not a specific target of the gunmen.

The police stated that Saunders “showed no vital signs of life” by the time emergency medical services personnel arrived at the scene. The gunmen stole Saunders’ car and fled the area after opening fire. The police have not made any arrests in connection with the shooting.

The Bahamas is not the only Caribbean country that has seen ongoing violence. On March 28, the UN Human Rights Office said that ongoing gang violence in Haiti has killed more than 1,500 individuals this year and led to the lynching of dozens by self-defense brigades. Haiti experienced a surge in violence after Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his resignation on March 11. UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on March 1 that the Bahamas informed the UN of their intent to contribute personnel to an international force to help Haitian national police fight armed gangs.

Saunders is the 35th murder victim in the Bahamas this year.

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