A special Central Committee meeting of the Progressive Labour Party was held tonight at the party’s headquarters on Court Street, but what was intended to address the fallout from Friday’s court injunction quickly became surrounded by controversy, confusion among party members.
TNN News spoke with several MPs and PLP members who said they were turned away at the door because their names were not on the approved list for tonight’s meeting.
Among those reportedly not permitted to enter were MP’s Lovitta Foggo, and Renee Ming, Wayne Caines and MP Dennis Lister III.
TNN understands that the meeting was called to discuss the legal implications surrounding the recent court action and to advise members on the position being taken by the party.
According to one individual who spoke with TNN, the first part of the meeting dealt with a proposal for the party to indemnify or cover the costs associated with the legal actions.
The individual also described the circumstances surrounding former Finance Minister and PLP leadership challenger Curtis Dickinson, saying Dickinson had wanted legal representation present during the proceedings.
According to the account, Dickinson was informed that his wife and another representative would not be permitted inside the meeting. The individual said Dickinson considered that unfair and subsequently decided not to enter.
The source questioned the decision, saying there was a desire to have someone present to provide legal representation and support.
The meeting also comes against the backdrop of the injunction, which, according to the individual, prevents the party from moving ahead with certain actions, including calling a special delegate conference.
The source suggested that there had been an attempt to move quickly on a decision, but ultimately nothing could be enforced because of the court injunction.
“There’s a bunch of lawyers in the room,” the individual said, indicating that the legal implications were being carefully discussed.
But outside the headquarters, frustration was reportedly growing.
Several MPs and other PLP members who arrived were told they could not enter because they were not part of the Central Committee, delegate or alternate structure for the meeting.
The decision reportedly left some lifetime members and senior party supporters visibly upset.
TNN understands that some of those members were particularly frustrated because they said they were not given a clear explanation as to why they could not participate or even enter the headquarters.
For some, the issue goes beyond tonight’s meeting and raises broader concerns about transparency, inclusion and what they describe as a possible abuse of power within the party.
The special CC meeting comes at a critical time for the PLP, with the party already facing internal divisions surrounding its leadership and the ongoing legal battle.
TNN News will continue to follow developments from tonight’s meeting and report on any decisions or further action taken by the Progressive Labour Party.
Stay tuned to TNN News for further updates on this developing story.
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