Tensions within the Progressive Labour Party appear to be escalating, with an all-important Central Committee meeting called for tonight September 8, at the party’s headquarters on Court Street, but with only designated representatives reportedly permitted to attend.
The meeting, called by Premier David Burt, comes amid the ongoing legal dispute and injunction involving the party’s leadership process.
TNN News understands that this all important meeting is called to discuss the possibilities of an expulsion from the party for MP Curtis Dickinson for the Supreme Court injunction he presented on Friday. We also understand that King’s Council (KC)Delroy Duncan is representing Curtis Dickinson’s team, and Mark Pettingal is representing the Progressively Labor Party led by the premier.
However, the decision to restrict attendance has sparked anger, confusion and anxiety among some PLP members, who say they have never experienced an ordinary or special Central Committee meeting where the wider membership was effectively shut out.
One long-standing and loyal PLP supporter told TNN News that the development came as a shock, particularly because members had already been notified of another Central Committee meeting scheduled for September 14.
Under the party’s structure, each constituency branch is represented at Central Committee by a Central Committee representative and a deputy representative. Those two individuals are understood to be the only branch representatives eligible to attend tonight’s meeting.
With the PLP having approximately 36 constituency branches, the meeting could therefore involve a significantly smaller group than a traditional Central Committee gathering.
The member said the restriction is particularly disappointing for newer members who expected to have a voice within the party.
“Never before have we been shut out from any CC meeting.”
The member also said efforts are underway to encourage supporters who are unable to enter the meeting to gather outside party headquarters and make their concerns known.
The controversy comes as internal tensions continue to surround the party’s leadership contest and the legal proceedings connected to the injunction.
The interview also touched on a WhatsApp message allegedly circulated by C34 Chairman Dawn Simmons to constituents, in which the chairman is alleged to have used highly critical and profane language when referring to certain individuals within the party.
The PLP member interviewed by TNN News expressed strong criticism of the alleged remarks and said there should be consequences.
The member also questioned the role of party Chairman Dawn Simmons in the unfolding dispute, arguing that the chairman should have maintained control of the Central Committee process rather than allowing the Premier to take over the meeting.
According to the member, the situation raises questions about accountability within the party, particularly if complaints about the alleged WhatsApp comments are being directed to party headquarters while the chairman herself is involved in the administration of the organization.
The developments point to increasingly deep divisions within the PLP at a critical moment, with the leadership contest, the injunction and internal questions about party governance now converging.
Tonight’s restricted Central Committee meeting could therefore prove significant—not only because of the legal issues surrounding the injunction, but because of what it may reveal about the balance of power and the level of unity within Bermuda’s governing party.
TNN News has sought a response from the Progressive Labour Party Headquarters and await a reply.
Below is a brief response to the TNN query from the Progressive Labour Party.
For the avoidance of doubt, there is no proposal to expel MP Dickinson on the agenda for tonight’s Central Committee meeting.
We have no further comment.
TNN News will continue to monitor developments surrounding the meeting and the ongoing PLP leadership dispute.
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