7.00 a.m. Sep 12 15 – the first of several motorcades leaves MCC in celebration of PDM victory, rallying behind one man, PDM leader Don Romeo – Did the rally continue!
Is this a plan unfolding or just the continuation of much ill advice?
Donaldson Romeo, Opposition Leader, Montserrat
In what seems was just part of a strategy of some plan in train, as the rumours and her own hint at “restructuring”, Dr. Ingrid Buffonge has resigned as a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) citing lack of confidence in the party under its present leadership.
Dr. Buffonge, considered ‘good’ medical doctor and practitioner, received the second highest number of votes, behind Premier Donaldson Romeo in last year’s general election. She said she had no intention of joining the Movement for Change and Prosperity (MCAP) of former premier Reuben Meade.
Dr. Buffonge in a surprise move, though from the beginning has shown some restlessness in her relationship with the PDM, resigned a week after she had spoken on ZJB radio at length recapping her role in the first year of the PDM in office. She had said that people were somewhat impatient, but she declared at the end of her recap, having prior call
ed for unity and togetherness. “…people can look forward to a stronger more assertive PDM in the future with better decision making and faster progress with some restructuring…, I am asking the public don’t give on the PDM just yet. This is still a strong red machine, there is a lot of positive to come in the near future,” she had said.
The party which was formed in 2014, won seven of the nine seats in the September 2014 poll.
In a statement she said she would remain as an independent legislator. She had received special attention by legislation which gave her favoured position, which may have upset some members of the team creating other problems for the party.
A report stated: “Dr. Buffonge told the state-owned radio station, on her resignation that she lacked confidence in the party under the present leadership of Premier Donaldson Romeo. She said she was not comfortable with the leadership style of Romeo and expressed concerns that citizens of the Overseas British Territory were not aware of the extent to which the premier has been influenced by his personal advisors and his caucus. She told the radio station, it is not always clear who is making the decisions and as such she questions the underlying motives.
It is noted in the report, “However when she won a seat in the last general election, Dr. Buffonge described Romeo as an “honest” person with a “good heart and sometimes that is what you need to get things done”.
Late today Premier Romeo issued a statement in which he assured that all is well with the PDM Party: “I understand that news has unfolded regarding a call to me this afternoon, from the Honourable Dr. Ingrid Buffonge, who indicated to me that she no longer wishes to be a part of the People’s Democratic Movement,” he said.
“Although this is quite unfortunate, the PDM team wishes her well in her future endeavours, but the PDM party remains united,” he said on radio and in the statement.
More Party dissension
He referred to a further development with another party member, Parliamentary Secretary Gregory Willock who placed last of the nine persons elected last September. Willock had earlier stated his case of wanting his name disassociated with the title of Parliamentary Secretary. He asked for his position as Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Culture and Sports be withdrawn.
Gregory Willock
He said he had sent an email to Premier Romeo on the issue and was still awaiting a response.” Speaking on ZJB radio he said: ”There are some internal issues we are having. If information is being shared between the members that are elected it is unheard of that the information can get out….and that shows there is something absolutely wrong with the team structure as it is in terms of confidentiality among members.”
Willock said he was also concerned that, “there have been some information and communication between me and the premier in regards to me being a parliamentary secretary”
Premier’s commitment to deliver:
Regarding Willock’s position the Premier had little to say: “Please also do not think that there is anything wrong with the Honorable Gregory Willock proposing to step back from the Parliamentary Secretary post and remain a part of the PDM team,” he said.
He gave his commitment regarding his government’s position repeating his earlier comments regarding their forward movement as it relates to his government’s performance for the previous year.
“This week, we revealed to you the people, a renewed commitment of the partnership between Her Majesty’s Government and the Government of Montserrat and this is not only symbolic but a clear indication, of the British Government’s commitment to supporting the PDM Administration, in carrying out its mandate. As unfortunate as this resignation notice is, we will not be distracted from the important bread and butter matters of this Island and the important and ambitious development program ahead of us,” he said.
“We continue to be thankful for your support and prayers over the past year and solicit your patience as we continue to lead this country forward,” he said further, concluding, “God Bless Montserrat.”
