PLP to review constitution ahead of next election

Philip “Brave” Davis, leader of the PLP, speaking at the PLP headquarters. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

As of Wednesday, November 22, 2017

By KHRISNA RUSSELL

Deputy Chief Reporter

krussell@tribunemedia.net

ADMITTING the Bahamian electorate’s view of his party is often one of “cynicism”, Progressive Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis said he is confident an impending review of the PLP’s constitution will aid in rebranding the organisation in the lead-up to the next general election.

He said the existing structure of the PLP’s constitution might have lent to a negative view of the party.

Speaking during a press conference to announce the appointment of the party’s constitution committee yesterday, Raynard Rigby, who will chair the group, said the aim is to ensure the PLP maintains its core objectives, hopefully leading to a win in the next general election.

He said the last time the opposition party engaged in a major review of its guiding principles was around 2005 or 2006.

“I am very confident about that,” Mr Davis said in response to a question from The Tribune on whether the exercise could assist the party in looking more favourable in the run up to the 2022 general election.

“I think the perception out there is that the PLP had become over the years a sort of a closed shop and I think the structure of the constitution may have lent itself to that perception. I think that the first step of revisiting our constitutional mechanisms and structures is to show that we have become more inclusive and be more responsive to a contemporary Bahamian electorate.”

Addressing those gathered at the press conference, Mr Davis said: “At critical junctures in our party’s history, we have rebranded, retooled and refreshed ourselves. The loss of May 10, 2017 and the subsequent national general convention of October 2017 present such opportunities. The party has undergone a series of analytical reviews. We hope to be able to share with the public some of those recommendations, once our internal procedures are done. In the meantime, however, work has begun.”

Meanwhile, Mr Rigby outlined the scale of the committee’s work.

The former PLP chairman said: “We’ve not had a meeting yet, but I can foreshadow that what the committee will be doing is looking at the existing constitution, looking at the recommendations that we’ve already had presented at the run up to the last convention in October, and deciding how we are going to divide the work in terms of where the meetings will be, that is in New Providence, in Grand Bahama and Abaco.

“[We also will be] speaking to important constituencies in the party - the Women’s Branch, Young Liberals, the National Progressive Institute and speaking to the leadership as well to get their views. So at the end of the day it’s going to be a process that is deep, that is thorough, that is embracing so that all voices in the party are heard and listened to.”

In addition to Mr Rigby, the committee’s members include Deputy Chairwoman Attorney Jaqueline Simmons, Keenan Johnson, Cassietta McIntosh, Alexandra Hall, Joseph Curry, Tristan Lockhart, Terrence Bethel, Een Colebrook, Mario Bannister, Joette Penn, Keith Seymour Esq, Paula Adderley, Neressa Seymour, Ginger Moxey, Eva Bain, Lisa Major, Alex Storr, Marion Curry and Lashell Adderley.

The committee has been given a deadline of June 2018 to report to party executives.

TalRussell 6 years, 5 months ago

Comrade 'Brave' will be helped in 2022 by reminding voters all across the Bahamaland - why they needs hear how the previous Christie administration became a big part of the Red Shirts new 4th time governing administration - when the Governor General actually read Christie's prepared throne speech. That's because not only was the throne speech words hijacked from the PLP, but KP, also did same thing with the PLP's prepared budget. In fact, wasn't KP - forced admit how it was indeed a PLP budget...and he hadn't even read it? {Comrades, I can't make this stuff up, how Brave can use the red shirts to separate himself completely from Christie come the 2022 General Election}. Pretty sad state red shirts governing blunders to admit all of the above is nothing but the honest to goodness truth.

DDK 6 years, 5 months ago

Comrade Brave getting plenty lime-light!

sheeprunner12 6 years, 5 months ago

Where can I find a copy of the present PLP Constitution online???????? ....... Just interested.

proudloudandfnm 6 years, 5 months ago

Same old PLP bull. We ga change a lot of things. We ga still be incompetent, apathetic and corrupt as all hell but we ga look good...

TheMadHatter 6 years, 5 months ago

Will they add a section which allows people running for leader and other offices within the Party to be able to speak to the delegates BEFORE the delegates vote and even be ALLOWED to know who the Hell the delegates are at least 6 months before convention?

hrysippus 6 years, 5 months ago

If this party wants democracy..... .. They first must stop their hypocrisy......
Stalwart councillors should not vote,........................ ... They should cut the bait or get off the boat, .... ... Appointed by the leader, they, ....... .... Will vote which way that leader say. .....
Meanwhile those ones who are better suited, .... .... From off the slate are soundly booted.. .. ....

..

sealice 6 years, 5 months ago

that'll be the first time that thing has been read since it was wrote.....better wear a dust mask!

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