The Progressive Labour Party is to go back to its roots as it celebrates its Founders Day with a luncheon this weekend.

The Devonshire Recreation Club was chosen as this year's venue as most of the Party's founders were members and it has played an important role in the Island's social and political development.

This marks the 46th year of the PLP, which was founded in February 1963 by Hugh Richardson, Edward DeJean, Walter Robinson, Wilfred Allen and Albert Smith. The Party was originally named the Bermuda Labour Party and its first meeting was held at Alexandrina Hall, Hamilton, on February 14.

It discussed the drafting of a political platform, running candidates in the forthcoming general election, the Parliamentary Election Act and the importance of voter registration. Many of the PLP meetings which followed were then held at Devonshire Rec.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown told the Worker's Voice: "Devonshire Recreation Club has historic significance to the PLP. That is why we continue to use it for our delegates conferences and other events."

The club was also the venue for the PLP's final election rally in December 2007.

Pastor Jermaine Tucker, who launched Trinity Chapel Bermuda at the Spinning Wheel and also has extensive pastoral experience in the US, will be the keynote speaker at Sunday's event.

The Drum Major Awards will also be presented at the luncheon for the first time this year.

The awards are named in tribute to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who, shortly before his death in 1968, said he wanted to be remembered as a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness.

The awardees this year are: the Progressive Group for launching the Theatre Boycott 50 years ago; Lynette (Smith) Khaleed for years of service nurturing and fostering infants;

Dr. Victor Walters for his role in the construction industry; and Dwayne Paynter for his sewing classes at the Co-Ed facility.

Tickets for the Founders Day Luncheon are $50, available from the PLP headquarters, Alaska Hall, Court Street.

On Monday, the public is also invited to attend a PLP public meeting at Devonshire Rec.

Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Paula Cox, will give an overview of the 2009-10 Budget, while Energy Minister Terry Lister will give a presentation on Government's Green Paper.

Parliamentarians from Pembroke and Devonshire will also be present at the 7.30 p.m. meeting, which was postponed from last Monday due to the stormy weather.