CDR leader Dr Bernard Nottage is expected to appear at the PLP convention sometime between today and Friday to announce that lie has decided to rejoin the party as a part of a “trifecta” on which the governing party as placing its bets.
Also looming on the horizon is the courtship of former FNM minister Algernon Allen and, according to PLP convention chairman Obie Wilchcombe, a mystery “politician of outstanding record”.
Mr Wilchcombe said that the last time he heard from Mr Allen he seemed to “have a lot of respect for Mr CJ’hristie as leader”. However, he has not heard of anything that would concretise a move over to the PLP.
“Should he (Mr Allen) walk through that door we would be more than delighted. Our tent is big and open for everyone. And if we’re lucky we may have a trifecta (tonight),” he said.
Mr Wilchcombe said that the party has been in talks with an “outstanding” politician and has had several discussions with him in recent weeks.
Mr Wilchcombe said the politician seems to feel “favourable” towards a return to the party.
However, the convention chairman would not disclose the identity of this person.
Nevertheless, a member of Dr Nottage’s CDR said that the third party leader’s defection to
the PLP is “a done deal”.
His decision will not be without its casualties, however. The move by Dr Nottage, CDR insiders told The Tribune yesterday, is expected to split the party into three with some following Dr Nottage to the PLP, others heading to the FNM, and those loyal to the idea of the CDR staying in to build the party.
“Some of us want it to go on (with the CDR) and there are those who will support Dr Nottage and there are those who are heading to the FNM,” he said.
Peter Adderley, who has been a public relations consultant for both parties over the past 25 years, also has heard “from the highest authorities” that Dr Nottage’s return is imminent.
“I have no doubt that Dr BJ Nottage will return to the PLP this week and I am also informed that Algernon Allen is wavering to do the same. Such moves will make the upcoming general elections interesting, fierce and highly competitive,” he said.
According to party insiders when former prime minister Hubert Ingraham returned to the helm of the FNM, the PLP hierarchy believed that Ingraham’s aggressive and action-oriented record would spell trouble for Mr Christie. This precipitated a move by Cabinet ministers and Mr Christie himself to meet with Dr Nottage to invite him to return.
It is also speculated that when Dr Nottage returns to the PLP it will not be in an insignificant position.
“I can’t imagine ‘BJ’ settling for less than a number two spot which would confirm the rumours of Cynthia Pratt going to Government Hill should the PLP win the general election. It is also the view that considering Christie’s health, Nottage, who has remained in good health, would be needed for the heavy Family Island campaign,” said one source.
By RUPERT MISSICK Jr – Chief Reporter for The Tribune
