The Tribune

By SANCHESKA DORSETT

Tribune Staff Reporter

sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

While there are currently no plans to postpone the party’s convention, Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts said the convention committee is open to “discussing the idea”.

The PLP’s five-day convention is currently scheduled for the last week in November at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort.

However, it has been suggested by PLP members that the party postpone the event because of the devastation left by Hurricane Matthew earlier this month.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Perry Christie described the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew as “utterly devastating” as he estimated the total cost of repairs to be around $600 million.

The last PLP convention was held in 2009.

The PLP’s convention was originally 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 that were underway at the time.

The April date was then rescheduled to later this year to focus attention on the June referendum on gender equality, which was lost.

“This is a democratic organization,” Mr Roberts said.

“From what I understand some of Obie Wilchcombe’s constituents were asking for the convention to be postponed. We have multiple constituencies and will take into consideration what the people want,” he said.

“At this time there is not plan to postpone, as of now we are still on schedule. However, we will have discussions about the way forward because others may have another opinion. We are open to the idea.”

So far, only former Attorney General Alfred Sears has announced his intention to challenge Prime Minister Perry Christie for the PLP’s top post. It will be the first challenge to his leadership since Bain and Grants Town MP Dr Bernard Nottage and attorney Paul Moss faced him in 2009.

When asked about the prospect of another postponement, Mr Christie said earlier this month: “I hope not. Even if it’s just people coming to vote, so I can put it behind me.”

Mr Christie has previously said that he is not concerned with Mr Sears’ bid, pointing to “his record” and his “value” as key elements to ensure his re-election at the party’s convention next month.

Last month, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister V Alfred Gray insisted that the prime minister was “entrenched” in the party’s top post and Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said while it is good for people to see democracy at work during the convention where all posts will be open for challenge, she was “quite sure” and “firm” that Mr Christie will win hands down.