PLP To Host Central Committee Meeting Tonight
The PLP is apparently scheduled to hold a meeting tonight where they are expected to discuss their next steps following the legal action launched by leadership candidate Curtis Dickinson.
In a message sent out to party supporters prior to Labour Day, the Premier, who was emailing in his capacity as PLP leader, said, “As we prepare to mark Labour Day, the BIU’s call, ‘United we stand, divided we fall’, has particular meaning. Whatever our differences, we are all members of the Progressive Labour Party. We cannot allow ourselves to become so divided that we fail the people we came together to serve.
“At Risk Of Tearing Itself Apart”
“It pains me deeply to see a Party that I have had the honour of leading to three election victories at risk of tearing itself apart as we choose the member who will succeed me. This should be a moment of renewal for the PLP, not division. I have remained neutral in this leadership election and will continue to do so, because my responsibility is to the whole Party.
“I welcome new members, new ideas and more hands to do the work in our Branches and communities. Central Committee’s decisions of 24 August sought to balance that growth with reasonable standards for those serving as delegates or in Party office, keeping the PLP rooted in the aims of our Constitution. These were decisions of the Central Committee, and it is through that body that we must now consider the way forward.
“I am saddened that this disagreement has reached the Court. My heart goes out to Chairman J. Dawn Simmons and Secretary General Patricia Basden, dedicated officers now named as defendants in their Party capacities. Costs have been sought against them, leaving them potentially facing an order to pay legal costs. They should not carry this burden alone.
“Central Committee Will Meet”
“On Tuesday, Central Committee will meet to confirm support our party officers and decide the next steps for the Party. I will work with the Central Committee as we defend the Party’s position, while respecting the Court’s directions. Sadly, resources needed for our Branches, our communities and preparation for a future General Election, will now be spent defending our party officers.
“Dame Jennifer Smith spoke of creating ‘a feeling of oneness and unity’ in Bermuda. We should live up to that ideal within our own Party too. We have overcome difficult times before, and whatever happens in this contest, we must be able to work together afterwards. Supporting either leadership candidate must not be grounds for turning against a fellow member.”
“Sensitive Legal Matters To Be Discussed”
A subsequent email sent out by the party said, “Given the sensitive legal matters to be discussed, this will be a closed meeting of Central Committee.
“For clarity, Central Committee comprises Party Officers, 6 members elected by Conference, 1 representative and 1 alternate from each Branch, 4 members of the Parliamentary Group including 1 Senator, 1 Youth Wing representative, and 1 Women’s Caucus representative.”
Both the leadership candidates, Jason Hayward and Curtis Dickinson, have also made statements appealing for unity.
At this point, the PLP tearing itself apart is probably the single greatest positive development for Bermuda’s long-term future.
Get on with it!