As the race to become the next leader of Bermuda’s Progressive Labour Party (PLP) intensifies, TNN News has received information raising serious questions about the fairness and transparency of the internal leadership contest.
According to a reliable source familiar with the process, concerns have emerged over what is being described as unequal treatment between the leadership campaigns of former Finance Minister Curtis Dickinson and current Minister of Economy and Labor Jason Hayward.
TNN News understands that information PLP HQ requested by the Jason Hayward campaign is reportedly being provided without difficulty. However, the Curtis Dickinson campaign is allegedly encountering repeated obstacles in obtaining similar information.
Among the concerns raised are allegations that requests for party membership data and constituency membership information—material considered important for campaigning and communicating with party members—have reportedly gone unanswered or have not been provided to the Dickinson camp despite repeated requests.
The allegations come as Premier David Burt has publicly endorsed Jason Hayward in the leadership race, prompting further questions from political observers about whether the contest is being conducted on a level playing field.
Additional allegations have also surfaced following last week’s Cabinet reshuffle, during which National Security Minister Michael Weeks, Education Minister Crystal Caesar, and Junior Finance Minister Wayne Furbert were removed from their ministerial positions.
Sources have alleged that all three attended a Curtis Dickinson campaign forum held at CedarBridge Academy Ruth Seaton James Auditorium approximately two weeks earlier. While no official reason has been given linking their dismissals to that event, speculation has intensified that support for Dickinson could carry political consequences within the party.
The Premier has not publicly stated that the ministerial changes were connected to the leadership contest, and TNN News has not independently verified those allegations. However, the claims have fueled growing discussion within political circles about whether members perceived to be aligned with the Dickinson campaign are being sidelined.
The allegations, if substantiated, are likely to intensify calls for transparency and fairness as PLP delegates prepare to choose their next leader.
TNN News also understands speculation is surfacing if the Jason Hayward camp wins the leadership challenge Premier David Burt will be the finance minister. We’ve yet to put these concerns to the Premier office.
TNN News has reached out to the Progressive Labour Party headquarters for comment regarding the allegations surrounding access to campaign information and the claims of unequal treatment. Any response received will be reported.
This is a developing story, and TNN News will continue to follow the latest developments as they unfold.
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