Dickinson ‘not involved’ in calls for march on Parliament
A former finance minister who lost a Progressive Labour Party leadership vote said yesterday he did not back any attempts to change the outcome.
In a post on Facebook, Curtis Dickinson also highlighted that he had no involvement in a march apparently planned for this week.
The PLP added in a statement that the “rumoured protest” was “misguided … misdirected” and would not alter the result.
A majority of PLP delegates and MPs elected to keep David Burt as the party leader when they cast their votes on Thursday.
Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, also retained his post as deputy leader in the face of a challenge by former Cabinet minister Renée Ming.
A message circulated on WhatsApp over the weekend said: “Get up, stand up!
“People who care for Bermuda, if you care about our future, show up at the House of Assembly next Friday at 1pm to show that it is the people who have the power not the 152 delegates.
“Spread the word.”
A post on Mr Dickinson’s Facebook page said: “It has come to my attention that there are a number of calls for a march on Parliament.
“While I respect the right of the people to protest, I wish to make it abundantly clear I am not involved in any way with the proposed march. Nor do I support any efforts to overturn the decision of the delegates.
“The internal election has been held and the delegates of the Progressive Labour Party have made their decision.”
PLP delegates and MPs voted 97 to 56 in favour of Mr Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, and 96 to 55 in favour of Mr Roban, the Deputy Premier.
A statement from the party today said: “The rumoured protest scheduled for this Friday, in opposition to our internal leadership election results, is misguided and misdirected and will not serve to change the outcome.
“Everyone has a right to prefer one candidate over another, that is the beauty of our democracy, but should the results not end in favour of your preferred candidate, it can be dangerous and divisive to undermine the democratic process through which a leader or representative is elected.
“The democratic process in the recent PLP leadership election was carried out in line with the party’s constitution and Westminster system of government that Bermuda abides by.”
It added that the election of a PLP leader was an internal process that took place every four years.
The statement explained: “In the PLP, delegates are members who represent the interests and wishes of all 36 constituencies across the island.
“They are selected on a proportional basis from all the branches, and these delegates represent the views of their branch members.
“They are joined in this vote by the elected members of the House of Assembly.”
It said: "Interestingly enough, in 2016, in the most recent leadership election for the PLP, David Burt defeated Dennis Lister 39 votes to 35 votes.
“The margin was much smaller, and the participation much less, yet the legitimacy of the outcome was never questioned.
“All candidates vying for office respect our internal process, its outcomes and the wishes of the delegates.
“MP Curtis Dickinson has made it clear that he does not support the rumoured action that aims to further incite discord related to the PLP leadership election.”
Mr Burt added: “Now that the internal election process is over, the Progressive Labour Party will come together to deliver for the electorate who voted for us both in 2017 and 2020.
“While I acknowledge that persons who do not support me may not be happy with the result, it is unfortunate that a small minority will try to continue to meddle in our internal democratic processes and attempt to sow division in our party.
“If persons are members and wish to see a change to how we hold our internal processes, the PLP is a party that welcomes dialogue and feedback from those persons and all members as has always been our way.
“The public voted overwhelmingly for a PLP Government in 2017 and 2020, and will have their chance to vote again before February 2026.
“The PLP is committed to keeping the promises it made to the electorate in its 2020 election platform, and is fully committed to rebuilding Bermuda with Bermudians at heart.”
Mr Dickinson said after the vote last week: “We had a contest – the delegates have spoken.
“It is time for us to get together and go back to work. And I am as committed to the PLP as I was before I started this journey.”
A Bermuda Police Service spokesman told The Royal Gazette: “The BPS is aware of the WhatsApp message and is taking steps to manage any protest that may occur.
“However, the BPS would encourage the organiser(s) to contact police on 211 or e-mail 211@bps.bm to discuss their plans.”
A Progressive Labour Party backbench MP said his constituency team recognised the “massive dissatisfaction with the status quo” in Bermuda.
Jamahl Simmons invited residents to share ideas about how to bring about change.
The member for Sandys South wrote on Twitter: “Our C33 team recognises the massive dissatisfaction with the status quo.
“We are hosting a virtual open mic night for Constituency 33 to hear your ideas on how we can organise and work together to make real progressive change for Bermudians.”
A flyer said that the event will be held on Thursday from 7.30pm.
* This story has been updated to include comments from the Bermuda Police Service, as well as the PLP and David Burt.
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