The Progressive Labour Party has declared its support for the Reverend Nicholas Tweed in his work permit row.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the party said: “On the issue of the OBA’s refusal to renew the work permit of Reverend Nicholas Tweed, the Progressive Labour Party shares the sentiments of the leadership of St Paul AME Church.

“Like them, we believe that this represents a ‘total disrespect and disregard for the doctrine and discipline of the AME Church and the rejection of the longstanding custom and practice surround appointments of pastors in the AME Church in Bermuda’.

“The OBA has given Bermuda the impression that this is less about procedure than it is about politics and that while there may be freedom of speech in Bermuda it only applies to those who speak in support of the One Bermuda Alliance.

“This decision is very reminiscent of the actions taken against those who spoke out against the old UBP and reflects a part of Bermuda’s history that sadly was not buried with that old, unlamented organisation.

“The PLP stands with the stewards, trustees and members of the AME Church in Bermuda and will work with the community to ensure that freedom of speech and fairness applies to not just the OBA and their supporters, but to Reverend Tweed as well.”