PLP parliamentary group challenged for holding secret meeting

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The Progressive Labour Party’s endorsement of Marc Bean as its leader affirmed the wish for change and “youthful energy” in the wake of the former governing party’s election defeat.

Commenting on last night’s choice, PLP member Marc Daniels called it a clear sign of new over old after Mr Bean’s three-to-one win over contender Terry Lister.

“A lot of us want change. No question. The entire populace wants change, in politics and in social relations. This represents change from within, not just slogans,” Mr Daniels said, as about 200 delegates, MPs and other party members filed back out from Devonshire Recreational Club — following an overwhelming endorsement of the former Environment, Planning and Infrastructure Minister.

Three hours earlier, Mr Daniels had stood by the same doorway and handed out a statement to the incoming crowd, in which he presented his interpretation of the choice facing the party core.

The one-page document questioned if “older statesmen” like Dennis Lister, Randy Horton, Michael Scott, Terry Lister and Derrick Burgess could represent “a new energy and passion that will carry us forward”.

It listed younger members Kim Wilson, Walton Brown, Walter Roban, Rolfe Commissiong, David Burt, Michael Weeks, Glenn Blakeney, Zane DeSilva and Mr Bean as “strong contenders” to lead the PLP.

Out of the latter, Mr Daniels’ statement concluded that Mr Bean and Ms Wilson were the two with diverse experience in the Upper and Lower Houses, with grassroots and business appeal.

In the end, Mr Bean came out the clear winner of the night.

Ms Wilson was nominated but declined, telling The Royal Gazette: “I really wanted to commit myself to constituency 34.

“I ran on the basis of providing service to them. It’s early days, and I want them to get to know me. That’s my priority.”

Mr Lister, emerging with the others shortly after 9.15pm, declined to comment.

The night kicked off with a stream of members pouring into the club hall.

A roll call was conducted, leaving a handful of late comers to wait outside, until the often tumultuous assembly got underway.

A rift between the Parliamentarians and Party delegates saw some angry rhetoric over constitutional precedent, with the Parliamentary group of 17 apologising for holding a separate meeting to discuss nominees.

By 8pm, the two candidates were given ten minutes each to address the room.

Mr Bean, the louder voice of the two, called for “a change of narrative”, including a call for self-reliance, that was received with applause and foot stomping.

A more muted Mr Lister called for rebuilding and reconnecting, telling the meeting: “We are down — but we are not down for long. With the right leadership, we can pull the party together.”

Mr Lister added: “We deserve the Government, and the people of Bermuda deserve a PLP government.”

After each fielded questions, the ballots were handed out at 8.45pm.

Added up constituency by constituency, the vote was soon starkly clear: out of the 17 MPs and 129 delegates, a total of 111 ballots was reaped by Mr Bean, versus 35 for Mr Lister.

A younger party supporter observing from the doorway remarked: “Change comes after a collapse. It’s sad, but it’s true.”

One of those dubbed among “our celebrated Rising Stars” by Mr Daniels’ statement was Diallo Rabain, who said the support for Mr Bean showed that while the older PLP stalwarts remained respected, “it’s time to bring our younger people up the ranks”.

Bermuda Industrial Union President Chris Furbert reiterated his election commentary from earlier this week: “Those who came out to vote on election day voted for change. Those of our people upset with the PLP didn’t come out.”

Last night’s vote, he said, was also a vote for change.

“We are committed to work with whoever is chosen, and the delegates have spoken loud and clear,” Mr Furbert said. “Mr Bean has the energy the party needs right now. He needs to move the party forward.”

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