RE: PLP responds to the Tribune’s Editorial

The Progressive Liberal notes the comments made in the Editorial of the Tribune’ edition of the 13^th October, 2004. Purely for the public record and to dismiss the myths and propaganda of that paper, we find it necessary to respond to the issues raised in the Editorial.

It is a part of the public record that the establishment of the PLP’s Disaster Relief Committee is intended to be the coordinating body responsible for the PLP’s response to the effects of Hurricanes Frances and Jenne. This Committee is ably chaired by the Hon. George Smith and comprised a cross-section of Bahamians.

The work of the Committee, since its establishment, have focused on sending food items and supplies to families and communities in Grand Bahama, Cat Island, San Salvador and Abaco. The items are not intended only for members and supporters of the PLP, but for all and any Bahamian or resident who is in need of assistance. We have mandated to all of our distribution centers in the islands affected that the distribution of the supplies must be on a non-discriminatory basis. We are fully satisfied that the distribution has occurred in this fashion.

Further, the Committee is accountable to the Leadership Council of the Party and to the National General Council and ultimately, to the National General Convention.

The letterhead that is being used by the Committee notes that Panell Kerr Foster is the Audit team engaged by the Committee. This obviously confirms that the work of the Committee and its handing of the funds and donations collected will be audited. Certainly, if the Editor of the Tribune has a copy of the standard appeal letter of the Committee this fact must have been noticed. It leaves one to draw an obvious conclusion that the Tribune and its Editorial team are up to their usual mischief making and political assassination of the leaders of the PLP.

The establishment of the PLP Disaster Relief Fund at the Bank of the Bahamas and Scotiabank is a Fund that is separate and distinct from the National Disaster Fund managed by the Hon. James Smith. Every Bahamian is fully aware that there is a distinction between the PLP and the Government. Certainly, the Tribune’s Editor must also appreciate this fact, as this is a trite point under our system of government.

The Editor also failed to ensure that the longstanding journalistic balance was preserved and protected in the Editorial of the 13^th October. No mention was made of the efforts of the Free National Movement and no mention was made of their appeal. This is clearly and blatantly proof of that paper’s political bias.

As Chairman, I am fully satisfied and pleased with the work of the Disaster Relief Committee. We are doing all in our power to assist Bahamians in the restoration of their lives. This is not a matter for petty and divisive politics. The Editor of the Tribune will be wise to take the high political road in this matter. We in the PLP will not be deterred in our efforts and the Tribune will not be allowed to do damage to our work of the many volunteers who have given of their time to man our Disaster Relief Command Centre and those who have stepped forth to assist us in this worthy and noble effort.

We trust that the Tribune and its Editorial team will find another issue worthy of comment, to publish and in so doing will be guide by the principles of fairness and equity.

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