The Progressive Labour Party is due to unveil more candidates today as election preparation moves up a notch.

The Royal Gazette understands the focus of the unveiling will be the Southampton area.

Meanwhile Party chairman David Burt said a large rally has been planned for a central location next Thursday with party leader and Premier Ewart Brown lined up to address the public.

And the PLP will open up a party shop today at Alaska Hall as an outlet for party merchandise.

Earlier this week the United Bermuda Party chairman Shawn Crockwell claimed a leaked memo showed the Premier's strategy was to have an election on August 16 — timed for when UBP supporters are likely to be off Island and the gag order on the media publishing more revelations from the Police investigation into the Bermuda Housing Corporation was still in place.

However PLP supporters have urged Mr. Crockwell to produce the memo as proof although Premier Brown has not ruled out that date.

And he is stepping up his media presence today with a string of engagements including a visit to Dockyard where he will visit the statue of Sally Bassett, a black slave who was burned to death in 1730.

He then has a photo opportunity with Miss Teen Bermuda contestants while at 4 p.m. he will announce the Government's vision for healthcare.