The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday said he was not anxious about the PLP coming convention, even as party insiders say supporters are concerned about the lack of disclosure about who will make a leadership bid.

Speaking to reporters after a Straw Market Authority event yesterday, Mr Davis said he was not worried about the November convention, though he declined to comment on the possible leadership race.

His statement came a day after PLP stalwart member and former Cabinet minister George Smith confirmed to The Tribune that anxiety is growing among PLPs over the uncertainty about the party’s leadership future.

It is unclear if Prime Minister Perry Christie, the PLP’s leader, will seek re-election.

So far, the only possible contender for the race is former PLP Chairman Raynard Rigby, who has suggested that he might run for the party’s top post because the country needs “fresh” leadership.

Mr Davis, with Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe, has expressed interest in leading the party.

However, both men have said they would only seek a nomination if Mr Christie steps aside.

On Wednesday, Mr Smith suggested that such a position lacked logic.

“If somebody wants the position, but only if someone else doesn’t want it, that don’t sound like they want it, hey?” Mr Smith said earlier this week. “If they believe that they don’t have what it takes, and if they believe the incumbent leader is the best choice to go with at the convention and consequently in the next election, then they ought to say that. But don’t say ‘I want it but only if he don’t want it anymore.’ That doesn’t sound very logical to me.”

Mr Davis had previously said he was “ready for the job” of prime minister if a vacancy emerges.

“My plans are dependent on what the prime minister does,” he said in June. “It depends on what he does. If there is a vacancy, I’ll be there.”

“I don’t want to discuss that now because the vacancy is not there, and when the vacancy is there then I will talk about those things.”

Yesterday, Mr Davis and other officials attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official opening of new Fire Safety, Surveillance, and Nurse’s Facilities at the Straw Market. The Straw Market Authority has also installed a CCTV surveillance camera in the market and organised a Surveillance Unit to facilitate the system.