Progressive Labour Party leadership candidate Jason Hayward is calling on PLP members, supporters and all parties involved in the current internal dispute to put the Party’s purpose and future ahead of individual personalities and interests.
“No one is bigger than the programme, and no one is bigger than the Progressive Labour Party,” Mr. Hayward said. “Our purpose must come before our personalities, and the interests of the Party must come before any individual.”
Mr. Hayward said he entered the leadership contest prepared to have his record, experience and vision judged by the membership of the PLP.
“I stood up to be judged by the members of the PLP. I have put my record, my experience and my vision before the membership, and I am prepared to respect the decision of our members,” he said.
However, Mr. Hayward expressed concern about the growing division within the Party and allegations surrounding efforts to significantly expand membership in a manner intended to influence the internal leadership vote.
“Whether people agree on the concerns being raised or not, we cannot ignore the reality that this situation is creating division, distrust and uncertainty within our Party,” he said.
“The PLP must still be here after this contest is over. Our branches must still be strong.
Our members must still be able to work together. And our movement must remain focused on the people we exist to serve.“
He is therefore calling on all sides to put aside differences and return to dialogue.
“We need to put purpose over personalities, the Party over ourselves, and unity over division,” Mr. Hayward said. “It is time for everyone involved to get around the table, talk to one another in good faith and find a way forward.”
He also called for the parties involved in the dispute to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than continued legal proceedings.
“The courts cannot rebuild our branches, restore trust between members or strengthen our movement. That requires us to sit down together and find common ground.”
Mr. Hayward said the PLP’s responsibility extends beyond the current leadership contest.
“There will be a day after this leadership contest. On that day, Bermudians will still need the Progressive Labour Party to fight for working people, families, young Bermudians and our communities.”
“We have a responsibility to protect the PLP, preserve its values and ensure that it is stronger for the generations that come after us.“
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