The National Development Party (NDP) is "still standing" and the movement is "alive and well." - says its Communications Director - Prince Smith

“NDP Won’t Fall Apart”

By ROGAN SMITH
jonesbahamas


If you think the departure of 10 of its executives would cripple the National Development Party (NDP), think again.

NDP Communications Director Prince Smith says the party is "still standing" and the movement is "alive and well."

In an interview with the Bahama Journal recently, Mr. Smith said he wanted to let Bahamians know that the party has not fallen apart just because a handful of executives decided to quit and instead join the Progressive Liberal Party.

Last Wednesday, former NDP Leader Renward Wells – who previously said that third parties were the wave of the future – ate his own words and teamed up with the Opposition.

He took nine of his executives with him.

However, not all of the NDP members left.

Today, according to Mr. Smith, there are hundreds of members.

He said his party is now focusing on other things.

"We wish them well, but we’ve moved on. The National Development Party’s focus is on the plight of our nation, how we’re going to rescue this economy and how we can transform this economy into Bahamian ownership. That’s our focus," he said.

Mr. Smith said the NDP plans to field 41 candidates in the upcoming general election and has already begun the process of ratifying candidates.

He said he hopes to offer himself as a candidate.

But, before any of that happens, the NDP is moving full steam ahead to hold elections to replace its former leader and several executives. He said that could happen within the next two weeks.

He assured NDP supporters that the process will be both "democratic and fair."

"The Bahamas would know that in terms of deepening democracy those aren’t just words we use. The NDP has been the first political party in the history of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to institute the primary system. We don’t just talk it, we walk it," he said.

There are reports that the NDP has been engaged in talks with Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney’s new party, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA).

When asked if there were plans to team-up with the DNA, Mr. Smith said his party is interested in any entity that wants to oust the PLP and the Free National Movement (FNM).

"As for coming together, that will only be considered in an environment that promotes democracy, and mutual respect and is determined to bring aid and comfort to the Bahamian people," he said.

May 9th, 2011

jonesbahamas

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