By Brent Dean ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com:
Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Carl Bethel has confirmed that the governing party will not be announcing candidates for the next general election at this time, as has been done by the opposition party.
"We are not involved in that process as of yet," said Bethel yesterday in an interview.
PLP leader Perry Christie told The Nassau Guardian on Sunday that the nomination and selection process would be ongoing in that party.
The PLP ratified four candidates last Thursday.
Senators Jerome Fitzgerald (Marathon), Michael Halkitis (Golden Isles), Hope Strachan (Sea Breeze) and Dr. Kendal Major (Garden Hills) will run for the PLP in the next general election.
Christie added that it's important to ratify and introduce candidates to the various constituents as early as possible because of the changing needs of Bahamians and what they look for in their respective representatives.
Bethel said he is not surprised that the PLP moved to nominate candidates early.
"Oppositions do that type of thing. That's standard fare for opposition parties – that you nominate your candidates early in an attempt to, in a sense, give them a little stature when they go out into the field," he said.
As time goes, Christie confirmed that the PLP would name its candidates on a steady basis.
A party source said that it is possible that the PLP would continuously name candidates for seats it does not currently hold each month at its National General Council meeting.
The process of deciding which sitting PLP MP will or will not again receive nominations will take more time, the source said.
A general election must be held by 2012.
If Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham waits until then to call the poll, it would mean that the PLP began the ratification process two years before the general election.
In 2007, even though Christie called the general election, the PLP did not announce its slate of candidates until about six weeks before the vote.
The FNM's chairman said his party would not be directed with its candidate selection process based on the moves by the PLP.
"We at least have the ability to have a little more say over the timing of events. While it is necessary to always have regard to the political dimension, what the Bahamian people need right now from the governing party is government," he said.
"What the country needs is a steady hand on the tiller leading this country in correct direction and to take decisions that are based on the best interests of the Bahamian people and not on political considerations."
Bethel said this is what the government is focused on.
It is still unclear if Prime Minister Ingraham will lead the FNM into the next general election. Ingraham has said he would inform the country of his decision by the end of the year.
Christie has confirmed his intention to run again as PLP leader.
March 23, 2010
thenassauguardian
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Showing posts with label Jerome Fitzgerald Marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerome Fitzgerald Marathon. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) ratifies four candidates for the next general election
By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) yesterday officially announced its candidates for the Marathon, Golden Isles, Garden Hills and Sea Breeze constituencies -- in a move which its leader Perry Christie said would push the party forward as it readies itself for the next general election.
In a statement, the PLP said the National General Council (NGC), which is the policy arm of the organization, accepted the recommendations of the Candidates Committee and ratified Senators Jerome Fitzgerald, Michael Halkitis and Hope Strachan, along with political newcomer Dr. Kendal Major as candidates in the upcoming general election. Their nominations were accepted at the PLP headquarters on March 18.
As The Nassau Guardian reported on Thursday, Fitzgerald was nominated for Marathon; Halkitis for Golden Isles; Strachan for Sea Breeze; and Major, who is a dental specialist, was selected for Garden Hills.
The Marathon constituency is currently held by Minister of the Environment Earl Deveaux, the Sea Breeze constituency is represented by Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Carl Bethel, Garden Hills is represented by Ministry of Housing Parliamentary Secretary Brensil Rolle and Golden Isles is being represented by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Charles Maynard.
In 2007, the PLP didn't announce its slate of candidates until about six weeks before the May 2 general election. However, this time around the party is getting a jump start.
Christie said the nomination and selection process would be ongoing. He added it's important to ratify and introduce candidates to the various constituents as early as possible because of the changing needs of Bahamians and what they look for in their respective representatives.
"The [Elizabeth] by-election has reminded us and taught us a wonderful lesson: That you have to be prepared, because the constituencies are not just large but they have become more complex because of the downturn in the economy," Christie said.
"There is a significant movement of people in rental homes who are faced with challenges. So I think there is a significant move about of people in the constituencies throughout New Providence and I imagine this must be the same in places like Freeport and these urban areas. So we have to give our candidates as great of an opportunity as we possibly can to get to understand the constituency and get to know the people and allow the people to understand and meet them."
Christie said as time goes on the PLP would name its candidates on a very steady basis.
Asked when the full slate of candidates is expected to be announced, Christie said he could not be sure.
"We want to give the best opportunity to persons who may have not yet applied - who now know that the process has begun, and may be interested in entering public life for the Progressive Liberal Party," he said.
The PLP leader said the party's Candidates Committee meets every week to interview potential candidates.
"Obviously that process will continue and we involve the branches in the constituency and the community," he said, adding that the committee would then get everyone's contribution to the decision as to who the best candidate would be.
"So that's what we're doing now. So you'll find, on sort of a regular basis, we'll be pausing to name candidates."
Christie said in cases where many people are vying for the nomination to represent one constituency, they are required to consult within the constituency. Following their consultations, Christie said the Candidate's Committee then makes an assessment as to who the best representative is for that area.
The PLP has not fielded a full slate of candidates for the past several elections, opting for strategic reasons not to contest the Bamboo Town, Long Island and the former St. Margaret's constituencies.
March 22, 2010
thenassauguardian
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) yesterday officially announced its candidates for the Marathon, Golden Isles, Garden Hills and Sea Breeze constituencies -- in a move which its leader Perry Christie said would push the party forward as it readies itself for the next general election.
In a statement, the PLP said the National General Council (NGC), which is the policy arm of the organization, accepted the recommendations of the Candidates Committee and ratified Senators Jerome Fitzgerald, Michael Halkitis and Hope Strachan, along with political newcomer Dr. Kendal Major as candidates in the upcoming general election. Their nominations were accepted at the PLP headquarters on March 18.
As The Nassau Guardian reported on Thursday, Fitzgerald was nominated for Marathon; Halkitis for Golden Isles; Strachan for Sea Breeze; and Major, who is a dental specialist, was selected for Garden Hills.
The Marathon constituency is currently held by Minister of the Environment Earl Deveaux, the Sea Breeze constituency is represented by Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Carl Bethel, Garden Hills is represented by Ministry of Housing Parliamentary Secretary Brensil Rolle and Golden Isles is being represented by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Charles Maynard.
In 2007, the PLP didn't announce its slate of candidates until about six weeks before the May 2 general election. However, this time around the party is getting a jump start.
Christie said the nomination and selection process would be ongoing. He added it's important to ratify and introduce candidates to the various constituents as early as possible because of the changing needs of Bahamians and what they look for in their respective representatives.
"The [Elizabeth] by-election has reminded us and taught us a wonderful lesson: That you have to be prepared, because the constituencies are not just large but they have become more complex because of the downturn in the economy," Christie said.
"There is a significant movement of people in rental homes who are faced with challenges. So I think there is a significant move about of people in the constituencies throughout New Providence and I imagine this must be the same in places like Freeport and these urban areas. So we have to give our candidates as great of an opportunity as we possibly can to get to understand the constituency and get to know the people and allow the people to understand and meet them."
Christie said as time goes on the PLP would name its candidates on a very steady basis.
Asked when the full slate of candidates is expected to be announced, Christie said he could not be sure.
"We want to give the best opportunity to persons who may have not yet applied - who now know that the process has begun, and may be interested in entering public life for the Progressive Liberal Party," he said.
The PLP leader said the party's Candidates Committee meets every week to interview potential candidates.
"Obviously that process will continue and we involve the branches in the constituency and the community," he said, adding that the committee would then get everyone's contribution to the decision as to who the best candidate would be.
"So that's what we're doing now. So you'll find, on sort of a regular basis, we'll be pausing to name candidates."
Christie said in cases where many people are vying for the nomination to represent one constituency, they are required to consult within the constituency. Following their consultations, Christie said the Candidate's Committee then makes an assessment as to who the best representative is for that area.
The PLP has not fielded a full slate of candidates for the past several elections, opting for strategic reasons not to contest the Bamboo Town, Long Island and the former St. Margaret's constituencies.
March 22, 2010
thenassauguardian
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