Bunting Gets Kicked Upstairs

June 22, 2020 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

The People’s National Party (PNP) has been moving quickly to heal apparent rift and unite the divided camps in the party.

Letter Sent

You will recall that a few weeks ago a letter was sent requesting a meeting with Dr. Peter Phillips, Opposition Leader and President of the PNP. The MPs from Bunting’s segment of the parliamentary group. The Bunting faction are in the majority by one. They have 15 of the 29 Opposition seats. In short the Bunting faction can call the shots. Under our constitutional arrangements there is no recognition of political parties. The Governor General when approached has the power to appoint whom he feels enjoy the majority support in Parliament to say to operate the positions of PM and Opposition Leader. He has no choice.

Dr. Peter Phillips Under Fire

Senator K. D. Knight was promoting defiance. Encouraging Dr. Phillips to take a defiant stance. Knight even mentioned the 1952 expulsion of the four “Hs”. Frank Hill, Ken Hill, Richard Hart and Arthur Henry from the PNP who were accused as being communist and causing division in the party. Knight was sending the message that expulsion is an option if they failed to comply or fall in line and maintain party discipline. Phillips opted to take a non confrontational approach. Dr. Peter Phillips opted also for unity.

Bunting Gets Kicked Upstairs

There was an announcement over the weekend that Bunting has been appointed Leader of Opposition Business in Parliament and co-director with MP Phillip Paulwell as PNP campaign directors.

Unity

We are glad the PNP problems are being tackled. We need a well organized Opposition to keep our democracy alive. It is hoped that unity will take over from disunity.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior National & International Correspondent for Vision Newspaper.