The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister shared their views on a story of a violent incident at a club in western New Providence over the weekend involving a transgender female visiting the country for her birthday.
Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip told reporters, “I condemn violence in any form particularly when it seems to be undergirded by hate or dislike of any particular preference or any particular views held by others. That is not tolerated and should not be tolerated in this country.”
Davis added of the incident, “the perpetrator ought to be held to account. I was not here, I heard about it only this morning and haven’t been briefed but just the fact that this incident happened is worrying. It’s a single incident. This is not the norm as we all know in this country. It’s a single incident that is not consistent with the conduct of our Bahamian people particularly towards our visitors and guests.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper opined, “the incident is regrettable but I don’t think it has any wide reaching impact on tourism or The Bahamas generally. We are a peaceful nation. We co-exist nicely with all of our guests.”
A press conference was held on Tuesday where Attorney Mark Symonette, who represents China Diamond, the alleged victim, detailed the incident for reporters. He stated that his client was at a club where she was approached by the owner who allegedly told her she would make a good bartender because of her looks. The owner was informed by an employee that Diamond was a man and subsequently asked her to leave the establishment. Symonette alleges that a security guard roughed up Diamond in his attempt to oust her. During the struggle a perfume bottle fell from Diamond’s purse which she picked up and threw at the security guard cutting his face. Diamond was then attacked by five or six men who beat her. She was charged in connection with the incident. The charges were dismissed. Symonette said his client intends to sue the club.
The owner of the club denied Diamond’s account of the incident on social media and said that he will also take legal action.
