Press Statement from Curtis Dickinson’s PLP Leadership campaign office (Friday 8 September:
The Constitution of the Progressive Labour Party is the foundation of our Party, reflecting the values, principles and democratic traditions that have guided generations of members. It must be respected. If those rules are to change, the membership must have a voice and a fair opportunity to participate in that process.
Today, our attorneys obtained an interim injunction restraining executives of the Party from proceeding with a membership process that is contrary to our Constitution.
This action was taken with great reluctance and only after genuine efforts were made to resolve the matter respectfully within the Party. Those efforts did not produce a resolution, leaving us with no alternative but to seek the Court’s guidance.
This is not an attack on our Party or its Officers. Those named in the action are named solely because of the offices they hold. In particular, our Party Chairman, Dawn Simmons, is a lifelong stalwart who has dedicated decades of her life to the PLP and to service in our community. That contribution deserves our respect.
The PLP has always welcomed new members and new voices. The unprecedented growth we are seeing represents Bermudians who want to participate, contribute and be heard. They are welcomed, and every member must be treated fairly and equally under our Constitution. Our campaign seeks to strengthen the PLP. Our focus remains on the issues facing Bermudians every day: housing, healthcare, education, community safety and modern infrastructure.
I encourage every PLP member to be active in your branches, engaged in your communities and committed to our Party in this leadership election.
We are one PLP family. Protecting our Constitution is about ensuring that the principles holding us together remain stronger than any candidate, campaign or election.
