Acting Leader of The Coalition for Democratic Reform (CDR) Charles Maynard, has pledged that the party will move forward despite losing a key member, Dr Bernard Nottage.
The CDR is prepared to continue their trek through the political field. Speaking at the reception ceremony after Dr Nottage was sworn into The Cabinet yesterday, Mr Maynard said the party is now making plans for the upcoming general elections and is looking toward the future.
“We are continually growing,” he said. “We are scheduled to go into conclave in the middle of next month so that we can officially elect our new leader. So after that is done, you’ll see a new slate of officers start their election programme.”
But he insisted that members of the party will “keep an eye on” the man who sat at the helm of the CDR for most of their existence. Mr Maynard, who wished him “all the best” in his endeavours, said that Dr Nottage left an indelible mark on members of the CDR.
“We are very proud of Dr Nottage,” Mr Maynard said. “As you know, he led us for most of our six years of existence and during that time we learned a lot from him. We feel comfortable that he will do very well [in his new post] and we are happy that the Prime Minister saw it fit to give him this appointment and most particularly, we know that he will be a great [man] for the new National Health Insurance programme. So we’re going to keep our eyes open and we’re going to watch and hopefully, he’ll do well.”
Mr Maynard also mentioned that the CDR is making positive steps toward the future and is now gearing up for the 2007 general elections.
Dr Nottage, former leader of the CDR, left that party three months ago to rejoin the Progressive Liberal Party.
By IANTHIA SMITH, Nassau Guardian Staff Reporter
