Convention set for July 25-27, 2019
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis said yesterday that he believes PLPs are mature enough to undergo a leadership challenge at all levels next month without the contest becoming divisive, though he noted that there will be “disappointment” for some.
In a statement yesterday, the National General Council of the PLP confirmed that the convention will be held on July 25-26 with an installation banquet on July 27.
All elected posts are expected to be declared vacate, opening them to challenge.
Speaking to Eyewitness News Online, Davis said there has been no declaration to date of a challenge to the existing leadership positions.
When asked if he is confident about retaining the leadership of the PLP, Davis said he believes the current leadership team has done a good job of holding the government accountable and retains the support of the party base.
“I don’t want to be presumptuous…, but I think that the leadership team has done a stellar job to date and I see no reason why they would want to change it at this time,” he said.
Davis was also asked about the potential divisiveness of a leadership challenge, as has been the case in past challenges of the leader post in both the PLP and Free National Movement.
“I think the party is now sufficiently mature enough to not allow any sort of challenge to any post to become divisiveness,” he responded.
“There will be some disappointment, but I think it will only last but for the moment.”
Asked about the possibility of losing in a leadership race, Davis said he is a PLP and would continue to act in the party’s best interest.
He said, “I am a PLP and I will be supporting the PLP.
In March, Davis told a crowded room of PLP supporters that the party must continue to “prove ourselves worthy” to the electorate as it gears up for the next general election and poises itself to offer what he called good and credible candidates as an alternative to the current governance regime.
“We must continuously prove ourselves worthy of trust and leadership for our words, actions and… deeds,” he said.
“We will present to the electorate good and credible candidates; sensible and achievable policy proposals and a message of hope, inclusiveness and broad-based economic empowerment.
“Bahamian people will see and feel that we are fighting for them and their future.
“We must be seen to be fighting for the soul of this country and not politically connected friends and donors.”
The PLP was soundly voted out of office in May 2017, only capturing four seats in Parliament.
It’s term under former Prime Minister Perry Christie was challenged, with voters expressing the party lost credibility.
The party’s post-election study reflected that the perception of corruption, unnecessary spending and numerous scandals were among the reasons for the PLP’s defeat at the polls.
Davis had committed to offering new direction for the party, while openly acknowledging the mistakes of the past.
The leadership team also comprising of PLP Deputy Leader Chester Cooper, Exuma and Ragged Island MP and PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell, leader of opposition business in the Senate.
