By Delvardo Emmanuel
Journal Staff Writer

Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell said the PLP is united as he
sought to dispel rumours which claimed that the party was split.
On the heels of high-tension and tempers flaring last Friday evening when the PLP
ratified its candidate for the upcoming by-election, rumours swirled that the party
is facing internal conflict and a possible rift between its members.
However, Mr. Mitchell told reporters during Diplomatic Week that the party is
united, despite the noise in market and dispelled rumours that the party is having
internal struggles.
“The party is not divided, I assure you it’s not divided, and that’s as much as I say.
It’s not divided, party’s united. We’re gonna fight as a united front and we will win
the seat. That’s my prediction,” Mr. Mitchell said.
“You can get confused by seeing the back and forth which plays itself out in the
public domain, which gives the impression, but, you know, that’s the vigors of
democracy.”
Referring to the candidacy nomination, Mitchell said, “A line is drawn under it,
and, you know, we’ve moved on. Words get exchanged, but the party is at one, and
united, and we’re moving forward.”
On October 20, the PLP’s National General Council (NGC) ratified Kingsley
Smith as its standard bearer to contest the West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat in
the by-election over former MP Shane Gibson.
During the process, some irate PLP supporters chanted “Brave got to go,” with
some even making allegations against Mr. Smith that he is and will always be a
Free National Movement member.
But Mr. Mitchell asserts that party is confident that Mr. Smith is the right
candidate for the upcoming by-election, calling him a fit and proper candidate.
“The candidate is the candidate and everybody has agreed, to all hands-on deck to
try and get that candidate elected,” Mr. Mithcell said.

“He is 50 years old. He is the next generation of leadership in the West Grand
Bahama Bimini community. He has significant ties to the Bimini community itself.
So, he was born in West End. His father was a stalwart counsellor. His mother was
a Martin. He was born a Martin. So, he has significant ties to the West Grand
Bahama community. Well-known, he’s performed well as chief passport officer.
“People are proud of his success as an attorney. We think all the ingredients are
there to present a fit and proper person to be the representative.”
As for when the by-election will take place, Mr. Mitchell said no date has been
determined. However, he added that the outside date is November 25 and the
election is likely to be after the party’s convention.