The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Cabinet Minister Loftus Roker yesterday claimed that both the PLP and FNM have been apprehensive to hold full conventions, as there are “too many problems” that neither organisation wants to be held accountable for or have to answer to.

Speaking to The Tribune, he further said that Prime Minister Perry Christie is entitled to remain the leader of the PLP “until he dies” if he wishes.

He went on to explain that critics who have chastised the prime minister should look to those who have repeatedly elected him and remained faithful supporters, ignoring the process that is in place to remove him.

The last PLP convention was held in 2009, even though the party’s constitution mandates that one is held every year.

The FNM held its most recent convention in 2014. Prior to that, the party held a convention in May 2012. The FNM’s constitution call for a convention every two years.

Both political organisations have said they expect to host their respective events this November.

Mr Roker said: “Now apparently none of them want to hold a convention. When I was there the PLP held a convention every year and the last time they had a convention was sometime a couple of years before the last election.

“Over there in the FNM Dr Hubert Minnis only had a convention when he ran into issues with that Butler Turner girl so he did it to quiet the calls for a convention.”

He continued: “But I just think there are too many problems and they don’t want to have to answer many things, don’t want to be held accountable and are not prepared to answer. That’s both parties in my opinion, but with elections coming they will do it before the next convention.”

Asked what his views were on Mr Christie remaining at the helm of the party, Mr Roker said Mr Christie can say for as long as he wants to because it is something that he loves.

“He is entitled to stay there for the rest of his life. We allow him to stay there when there is a method to deal with that.

“The prime minister is selected by the party with the majority of the boots in Parliament. As long as he has that he can remain there forever. Don’t blame him, blame those who keep him there. There are people who want him to resign, but he loves it.”

The FNM recently announced, amid ongoing calls for a full convention, that there were plans to hold the event from November 15 to 19. At this time all positions, including the leader, are expected to be open for challenge. Former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette has said he would have liked to see the convention called for an earlier date.

Meanwhile, Mr Christie recommended in February that the party postpone its national convention until after the gender equality referendum, which is now expected for June 7.

Initially, the convention was planned for November 2015 but was rescheduled for April 2016 because of the devastation left by Hurricane Joaquin in the Family Islands and recovery efforts, which were underway.

Hurricane Joaquin battered the central and southern Bahamas for two days, on October 1 and 2, 2015.