Melissa Sears resigns as a PLP vice chairman
By NOELLE NICOLLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net:
RISING star in the Progressive Liberal Party, Melissa Sears, has resigned her post as vice chairman of the PLP.
Bradley Roberts, PLP chairman, said he received a resignation letter from Ms Sears on April 20. The letter did not indicate the reason for her resignation, and Mr Roberts said he has yet to speak with her to gain further insight into her reason for resigning.
Ms Sears made an impression on the PLP leadership in 2008 when she delivered a speech at the party's convention. She was voted into office during the October 2009 PLP Convention.
"Melissa is an outstanding young woman who has a career in politics. She is an outstanding orator and has her hands around the issues facing people. She believes in people and has committed herself to helping the least among us. Her decision does not mean her political life is over or her relationship with the PLP," said Obie Wilchcombe, West End Member of Parliament. Ms Sears endorsed Mr Wilchcombe for deputy leader of the party when he contested the seat last year.
"She was the bright star of the (2008) convention and demonstrated then her tremendous oratory skills and her passion for people and her courage and determination as a fighter, which is required in front line politics," said Mr Wilchcombe.
Ms Sears had been touted as a potential candidate for the PLP in Marco City, Grand Bahama. This seat was formerly contested by Pleasant Bridgewater, against the FNM's Zhivargo Laing.
Ms Sears grew up in Marco City, but Mr Wilchcombe said she would be a qualified candidate for a number of Grand Bahama constituencies.
He said she had never written to the party to express interest in being a candidate, or applied formally. However, the party had been trying to encourage her.
"We have over the years sought to convince her to be a candidate. There comes a time when a party must recruit and look for the best and the brightest and she has proven that she is prepared to serve and not to be served. So she is one of those persons who we certainly would love to see carry the banner and be a standard bearer," said Mr Wilchcombe. "I believe this might be considered by some a bump in the road or a step backward, but I don't see it that way."
April 26, 2010
tribune242
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 PLP leadership Bahamas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PLP leadership Bahamas. Show all posts
Monday, April 26, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Paul Moss resigns from the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)
By Keva Lightbourne~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ kdl@nasguard.com:
Attorney Paul Moss, who mounted an unsuccessful challenge against Perry Christie for the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party at its November 2009 convention, has resigned from the PLP.
"The same careful and considered deliberations that I referenced in 2007 have now propelled me to this decision," said Moss, who became a card-carrying member of the party in May 2007.
"Then I felt that the PLP was at the stage where it would have to regroup and rebuild. I believed that the party needed an injection of new blood to shore up and bolster not just its image but its very existence. I advocated that the party should keep all that was good and solid, while identifying, embracing and utilizing new talents with which to build.
"Almost three years later, that has not happened. Much of the PLP leadership belongs to an earlier generation, where old ideas and old ways of doing things remain, stubbornly the order of the day. There appears to be no room or patience for fresh, new perspectives. And so the time has come for me to make my exit."
The statement announcing Moss' departure from the PLP was sent from his Dominion Management office on Montrose Avenue. Moss is reportedly in Zurich, Switzerland.
When contacted yesterday for comment, PLP chairman Bradley Roberts said he had not received the letter of resignation, but gathered that the move was made.
"We would just like to wish Mr. Moss all the success in whatever he is going to be doing," Roberts said.
He also expressed personal views in responding to the resignation.
Roberts said, "Mr. Moss is clearly not a team player. He seems to be an individual who is a loner. He wants to be able to act as though he is a part of an organization, but then again as an individual. He obviously had difficulties working within the framework of the Progressive Liberal Party or may indeed have problems working in any other political party, but nonetheless we wish him all the best."
Roberts added that people come and go in political organizations all the time.
"It's no big deal," he said.
Moss suffered a big defeat in that leadership race where he was only able to garner 23 votes to Christie's 1,158 votes. Bain and Grants Town MP Bernard Nottage, who also vied for the leadership position, captured 204 votes.
That win for Christie silenced many critics within and outside the PLP, as he secured more than 80 percent of the votes cast, cementing his place as the unquestionable leader of the party.
According to some political observers, Moss' decision to run against the top man in the party dealt a serious blow to his political aspirations.
But that has not deterred Moss from forging ahead as he still plans to seek a seat in Parliament.
He plans to run as a candidate in St. Cecilia in the 2012 general election.
March 17, 2010
thenassauguardian
Attorney Paul Moss, who mounted an unsuccessful challenge against Perry Christie for the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party at its November 2009 convention, has resigned from the PLP.
"The same careful and considered deliberations that I referenced in 2007 have now propelled me to this decision," said Moss, who became a card-carrying member of the party in May 2007.
"Then I felt that the PLP was at the stage where it would have to regroup and rebuild. I believed that the party needed an injection of new blood to shore up and bolster not just its image but its very existence. I advocated that the party should keep all that was good and solid, while identifying, embracing and utilizing new talents with which to build.
"Almost three years later, that has not happened. Much of the PLP leadership belongs to an earlier generation, where old ideas and old ways of doing things remain, stubbornly the order of the day. There appears to be no room or patience for fresh, new perspectives. And so the time has come for me to make my exit."
The statement announcing Moss' departure from the PLP was sent from his Dominion Management office on Montrose Avenue. Moss is reportedly in Zurich, Switzerland.
When contacted yesterday for comment, PLP chairman Bradley Roberts said he had not received the letter of resignation, but gathered that the move was made.
"We would just like to wish Mr. Moss all the success in whatever he is going to be doing," Roberts said.
He also expressed personal views in responding to the resignation.
Roberts said, "Mr. Moss is clearly not a team player. He seems to be an individual who is a loner. He wants to be able to act as though he is a part of an organization, but then again as an individual. He obviously had difficulties working within the framework of the Progressive Liberal Party or may indeed have problems working in any other political party, but nonetheless we wish him all the best."
Roberts added that people come and go in political organizations all the time.
"It's no big deal," he said.
Moss suffered a big defeat in that leadership race where he was only able to garner 23 votes to Christie's 1,158 votes. Bain and Grants Town MP Bernard Nottage, who also vied for the leadership position, captured 204 votes.
That win for Christie silenced many critics within and outside the PLP, as he secured more than 80 percent of the votes cast, cementing his place as the unquestionable leader of the party.
According to some political observers, Moss' decision to run against the top man in the party dealt a serious blow to his political aspirations.
But that has not deterred Moss from forging ahead as he still plans to seek a seat in Parliament.
He plans to run as a candidate in St. Cecilia in the 2012 general election.
March 17, 2010
thenassauguardian
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Senator Edison Key Resigns From the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)
"I'm just looking for a bright future," says Edison Key
War In PLP - Key Leaves Party
24/02/2004
Claiming that forces within the party have launched an all out war to decapitate him politically, former Senator Edison Key has resigned from the PLP.
"I see this situation getting worse each day and I figured maybe this is the time to just give it all [up] if that's what they want," Mr. Key said in an exclusive interview with the Bahama Journal Monday. "I was in my bed and this came to me that maybe I should just relinquish my ties with the PLP for the time being."
He added, "Let them do what they want to do, maybe they're better off without me."
Mr. Key's change of heart comes exactly one week after the Journal revealed in an exclusive report that he had resigned from the upper chamber on January 10.
Last Monday, when asked by the Journal if he intended to resign from the party, Mr. Key said, "I've been a part of the PLP from 1970. I've been through all the struggles and trials and tribulations. I ran here in Abaco when you [would have been considered] an outcast to even identify with the PLP, especially a white man in an all white area."
He said then that he would not leave the party.
But he said Monday that things have changed since last week and that some members of the party have lined up to throw daggers at him.
Mr. Key said in a letter to PLP National Chairman Raynard Rigby that, "This decision has come about due to the unfortunate chain of events that have occurred over the past 20 months culminating in my resignation as Senator in the new Progressive Liberal Party Government, effective January 10, 2004. Kindly convey my very best wishes to all Stalwart Councilors when next council convenes."
Mr. Rigby said in a release to the press last night that, "As is the custom, the letter will be forwarded to the National General Council of the party and to the leadership council."
He added, "It is with regret that we have received Senator Key's resignation. It is most unfortunate. The party will continue its work in Abaco and the rest of The Bahamas."
Mr. Key reiterated to the Journal Monday, "It creates deep pain, it goes right to the soul and that's what I've felt for the last year and ten months under this administration. I really feel sorry for them because it seems that they have no direction and no director.
"Maybe that's saying it pretty harsh, but I think it's time for the people of The Bahamas to wake up and get a government that will give The Bahamas back to the people. It's now become a government that's become almost a dictatorial system and it's time for a change"
But he insisted that now was not the time to reveal the contents of his letter of resignation from the Senate, a copy of which he said has been sent to Senate President Sharon Wilson.
Last Thursday, Mr. Key told the Journal that his meeting with the prime minister "went well" and that he had a "frank" discussion with the nation's leader.
He said, though, that he feels that he no longer belongs as a member of the party so he has opted to pull out. But he said he was not prepared to align himself with any opposition party because the Free National Movement, in particular, is also facing a leadership crisis.
"I'm just looking for a bright future," said Mr. Key, who was in Nassau on Monday.
When asked whether he thought there was a viable alternative to the PLP, the former Senator said, "If there were a strong opposition, the PLP [would be] in trouble. But even the opposition needs [to get] it together.
"You see, I know how to fight the opposition, but I never had any ammunition to fight the PLP. I have no bullets that can penetrate the PLP. It's like shooting one of your own family. You don't do that. I'm talking in a political sense now."
The Journal also asked Mr. Key what it will take for him to rejoin the PLP.
He said, "Hope and help - and help and hope that really means it, [a leader who] says what [he] means and means what [he] says.
"Good leadership."
Asked if he may consider joining an opposition party in the future? He said, "You never know. The king dies, a new king comes up."
Mr. Key also said he was hurt by a column that was published Sunday on bahamasuncensored.com, a website that is the offspring of fredmitchelluncensored.com, which says its views do not represent the views of Minister Fred Mitchell, his Ministry or the Government of The Bahamas.
The column states, "The PLP, like most other parties, has its hardliners. There is a herd instinct. And so not withstanding the fact of all the history that has gone on before, the immediate reaction of too many was to denounce him, to remind him of his race, and to tell him as impolitely as possible go about his business.
"Then there are those who have impugned his motives by saying that the real reasons are economic and the fact that certain personal benefits did not come to him. But all politics is about personal benefit of one kind or another. Another set urged the PLP to cut Mr. Key off at the knees, decapitate him politically if it could be done.
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Senator, Edison Key Resignation from The Senate
Edison Key on Perry Christie and his poor leadership and lack of direction
PLP Senator Resigns
17/02/2004
Slamming the government of Prime Minister Perry Christie for what he called poor leadership and lack of direction, Progressive Liberal Party Senator Edison Key has resigned from the upper chamber.
"I've had it up to my eyeballs," Mr. Key said in an exclusive interview with the Bahama Journal Monday.
He said his letter of resignation - dated January 10 - was hand delivered to the prime minister's office, but he said he has not received any kind of reaction from Mr. Christie.
"I had hoped that Mr. Christie would have printed my resignation in full to the media so that the Bahamian people could see exactly why I resigned," Mr. Key said.
But Prime Minister Perry Christie told the Journal Monday evening that Mr. Key was revealing something to the Journal that he (Mr. Christie) was not aware of.
"I am not in receipt of a resignation from Mr. Key," the prime minister said. "I have not seen it and I have asked my office to put a trace on it. He has not telephoned me. Anyone who has given as much to the PLP as Edison Key has should not demit public office in this way. He has been a warrior. He has the greatest admiration from me. I am surprised that he has chosen to do it this way."
Mr. Key said that he has only been invited to one parliamentary meeting since May 2002.
"I don't feel like I need to waste any more of my life mixed up with this crew here," he said. "I wish them well but I think they're in for a rude awakening at the end of the journey."
Although Mr. Key said he resigned five weeks ago, there has been no announcement from the government to this effect.
"I am very disappointed in the government and the leadership," Mr. Key said. "I really serve no purpose in this new government."
But he was quick to add that he planned to remain a member of the PLP.
"I've been a part of the PLP from 1970," Mr. Key reminded. "I've been through all the struggles and trials and tribulations. I ran here in Abaco when you [would have been considered] an outcast to even identify with the PLP, especially a white man in an all white area."
When asked how he would characterize the performance of the Christie government since it came to power in May 2002, the former senator said, "On a scale of one to 10? Maybe a three."
He said he was shocked that the prime minister has kept secret his resignation. Members of the Senate reportedly did not know up to Monday that Mr. Key was no longer a senator.
"If you notice, it's all about Christie," he charged. "I wish him well. I don't want to say too much bad about him."
He added, "I'm surprised that the prime minister hasn't called me. He hasn't responded to it. I haven't gotten anything in writing from him. I'm very disappointed and I just wish them well, but I have had it up to my neck bone."
Mr. Key said he did not feel valued as a senator.
"I've turned in dozens of applications and recommendations and not one of them has been acknowledged in over a year and a half," he said. "There is no use me wasting my time...I'm not 16 anymore and there is no use me being a part of something that I'm on the outside of and I don't know what's going on. I'm a senator."
He also spoke to what he indicated was the uselessness of the senate.
"The senate has only met several times since the new government [came to office]," he said. "It's a waste of money for the senators not to be a part of the overall decision making in the country.
"The government only expects when they send bills up there [for senators] to support whatever they send. It's a rubber stamp and it needs to be considered whether the senate needs to stay in its present form or senators be elected so that they can speak their minds and say what they want to say."
Mr. Key served as a senator in the former PLP government from 1977 to 1982 and 1987 to 1992. He also served as a Member of Parliament from 1982 to 1987 and 1992 to 1997. Mr. Key also served as chairman of the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation from 1985 to 1992.
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