Keith Bell prepared to support eventual Ft. Charlotte nominee

Fri, Oct 24th 2014, 09:59 PM

After imploring Fort Charlotte MP Andre Rollins to resign from the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) for his sharp criticisms of Prime Minister Perry Christie, Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell said yesterday he will support whoever the party decides to run in Fort Charlotte.
Bell was responding to questions from The Nassau Guardian about the disciplinary action Rollins could face following whatever decision the PLP's disciplinary committee makes.
In August, Bell said as far as he is concerned, the former Gaming Board chairman needs to resign from the PLP and as a member of Parliament.
He challenged Rollins for his seat and said "he only got the seat because of the PLP".
Yesterday, Bell said it would be inappropriate for anyone to preempt the committee's decision.
However, he said the PLP is a strong organization, where members respect democracy and due process.
"You know Mr. [Alfred] Sears has said he will be prepared to accept a nomination if it is given to him. So, I mean, again, the party is one [in] which there is democracy within the ranks," Bell said.
"Once the [disciplinary] process is followed, whoever is chosen, I will support."
Rollins appeared before the disciplinary committee on Monday and again on Wednesday.
He has said the country needs new leadership.
Despite being asked by the National General Council of the party to apologize to Christie in the House of Assembly, Rollins has refused to.
During a Fort Charlotte constituency meeting on October 6, more than 30 constituents expressed displeasure with Rollins' performance in the House and in his constituency.
Following that meeting, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts, who called the attendees the "nucleus and backbone" of that constituency branch, said he had approached Sears about running on the party's ticket in Fort Charlotte once again.
Sears has said he is ready to serve, but will not do anything to "injure an incumbent member of Parliament" representing his party.
Attorney Valentine Grimes heads the disciplinary committee.
Other members of the disciplinary committee include, Charles Carter, Errington "Minky" Isaacs, Aaron Sargeant, Robin Lynes, Barbara Pierre, Michelle Reckley and Tom Basden.
Speaking about the impact Rollins' comments have had on the PLP, Bell said there is some tension within the party.
"There is no question that the matter has caused tension within the ranks, and simply because the statements that he made were so strong and so direct at the leader and the leadership of the party," Bell said.
"And so, certainly you would have emotions. You would have tempers and you would have some deep concerns.
"But the PLP is a party of strength, [and] a party of unity. There is a process within the party.
"There is a constitution and we abide by the processes outlined in that constitution."

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

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