PNP Leadership Contest - Round #2

On Sunday July 13, 2008, Vice President Comrade Dr. Peter Phillips threw his hat into the ring, announcing his intention to challenge incumbent President Comrade Portia Simpson Miller. Comrade Simpson Miller said that though it was unprecedented for a sitting Party Leader to be challenged, she accepted it nonetheless and was ready for the contest. See the full story at http://www.pnpjamaica.org/content/view/366/1/

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Cde. Portia Simpson Miller		Cde. Peter Phillips

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July 14, 2008

The timing of Peter Phillips’ recent announcement to challenge for the Presidency of the People’s National Party has left me with no choice but to immediately renounce my membership and any association with the PNP. In short, I would like to make it abundantly clear to the General Secretary and all concerned in the PNP, that I am resigning my membership with immediate effect.

To me, Dr. Phillips’ actions are not only desperate, abhorrent, and unprecedented, but will also serve to divide and ultimately destroy the PNP, whilst at the same time strengthen the JLP. It is therefore with this in mind, that I feel I should send a strong message to this power hungry and self-serving individual that is Peter Phillips.

As someone who has sacrificed of not just myself, but family, career and personal resources for the good of the PNP, I believe my lifelong loyalty to this noble movement can never ever be questioned, and it is sad that I now find myself in a position where I cannot honestly say the same of Dr. Phillips.

During the recently concluded General Elections, it was clear to the entire country that Dr. Phillips and his three stooges, namely KD Knight, Maxine Henry-Wilson and Dr. Robertson, did everything in their powers to ensure a PNP loss at the polls. As a matter of fact, just months prior to the General Elections, I was personally told by my friend and former colleague Councillor Colomathi, who incidentally was the PNP candidate for East Central St. James, stated that “it would be better for the JLP to win the up-coming elections, so the PNP could see a rebirth with Dr. Phillips at the helm.” Now, this was coming from the lips of a PNP candidate and standard bearer for a vital constituency in St. James, so draw your own conclusions.

Dr. Phillips, I ask of you, can you honestly say that in the past elections a.) As the party’s most senior VP, you were as visible as should be on the campaign trail and on party platforms b.) That you had utilized your renowned fundraising skills to benefit the party and Mrs. Simpson-Miller b.) That you gave your 100% support to the party President, the Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, and c.) Can you honestly say that you did nothing to undermine her authority? Of course, thankfully with the benefit of hindsight, we now know the answers to all these questions.

In principle, I now see the JLP as a more viable option. Thanks to you Dr. Phillips, the JLP’s tenure and grip on power is as “Solid as a Rock.” Well done ‘comrade’ Phillips.

I proudly state that I am,

………………………….
Milton Russell
Former Councillor – Montego Bay West Division (2003 – 2007).
North West St. James
russell_milton@yahoo.com

Comment (1)

#1 Milton Russell on 2008-07-15 13:22 (Reply)

Comrade ?Peter Phillips has joined forces with the monied folks in the JLP to control the destiny of the Jamaican working class people.My fear is that in 2006 presidential elections the private sector put tons of cash into the Phillips campaign and then refused to assist the PNP in the 2007 General Election.Where did all that money go?Was that cash stashed away to finance this challenge to Comrade Portia Simpson-Miller?
If Portia loses the PNP cannot count on people like me for support. We must all condemn this act of treachery from this classist set of opportunist who are in Parliament because of the kindness of PORTIA !!!!!!

Comment (1)

#1.1 wilbert witter on 2008-07-16 21:29 (Reply)

I noticed this blog is dominated by you all..well let me tell you something you are not hurting Dr. Peter Phillips but your candidate...you have all resorted to the gutter and thats anti-PNP...We the supportes of Dr. Peter Phillips will continue to take the high road and watch you all make a fool of yourself...you all need to look into the mirror.

Embrace whats coming and let move on

Comment (1)

#1.1.1 Agustos Miller on 2008-07-17 15:03 (Reply)

I often wondered why we lost St. James in the last two General elections...now I know why, you and the others that are disgracing the name of the PNP on this blog obviously have no clue of the Party's constitution, its Principle and Objective which I should informed you was revised by Comrade Dr. Peter Phillips, nor any of you have any knowledge of the Party's Structures. If you or anyone of you so-called comrades did then you would be aware that no position in this great Party is sacred and the Party's constitution gives each and everyone the right to contest any position. Your logic gave why you have left the PNP does not hold true its baseless and is simply just a cop out you are a loser and was born one you have always display a Labourite tendency and that is why the Party did not allow you to represent it again, you were unable to build a true concesus in St. James after all the moneys spent by P.J. Patterson administration so please do not hide behind Phillips decision to run for the top job, your problem is that the Party found you wanting....When you dis-respect Comrade Maxine Henry-Wilson,K.D.Knight, Dr. Paul Robertson these persons have given their lives to the betterment of the Party and that is why we had four term in government, this was done under Comrade Patterson and Michael Manley leadership as they were true to the cause and meant Jamaica well these person you have so unjustly disrespected were the main players that made it happen. I say to you, you really have never been a comrade or else you would know the philosisphy on which the PNP was built. I noticed you all are now capable of writing garbage on the PNP Blog, my question is, where have you been in the past 8-9 months when the Party needed persons to go out there and defend its legacy against the JLP allegations, it was only those voices that supports Dr. Phillips was out there defending the Party/past administration where were you all, now you are on this blog, in the newspaper and radiowave disgracing the PNP just because a true comrade decided to exercise his DEMORACTIC RIGTH. My question to you all, isn't it all of you who are now destroying the Party. You know right now I am more convince that we need to revive the political education within the Party as Dr. Phillips and others have said so we can educate some of you so-called comrades. Milton Russell good ridance...some of us who truly love our Party will continue to work fot the betterment and not for any individual, as when we are are gone this great Party will continue, as Comrades Norman and Michael died and left for all of us and not just you and your alibabas. Its time you all think with you heads and not just misplaced emotion as this has no place inside this great movement

Comment (1)

#1.2 Kelsaida Bonfield on 2008-07-17 14:50 (Reply)

Base on Comrade (and i use the term lightly) Colomathi's comment it is no wonder we lost the General Election.

I strongly believe in democracy but at what cost. The Jamaica Public, the PNP comrades or our children? Why can't you wait, are you and your team willing to destroy what our founders worked so hard to accomplish or do you just don't care?

I am proud to be a Comrade, I will die a Comrade but my heart bleeds, to see the blantant disrespect of our Leader.

We dont have to like her, but we should respect her and work with her for the Greater Good.

The fate of the PNP now relies on the delegates of the Party and the fate of our Beloved Country now relies on the PNP Conference.

So comrades I plead with you to put our personal differences aside and do what we must to ensure the Victory of the Party by standing by our elected Party Leader Portia Simpson Miller and do what is our rightful duty which is to save this Country from further distruction by the JLP.

Comment (1)

#2 Bleeding Heart Comrade on 2008-07-15 14:49 (Reply)

I implore Comrades to examine the experience of the British Labour Party as a consequence of the Tony Blair/Gordon Brown rift.
I implore Comrades to examine the just concluded Democrat Party primaries which was bitterand have left deep wounds that are proving extremely challenging to .
This US election cycle should have been a Democrat Party dream electioin cycle but is proving otherwise- a consequence of overhang of bruised feelings from the primaries.
If in two years Comrade Phillips could not galvanize his supporters to accept Comrade Simpson-Miller as leader how could he expect reciprocity.
This leadership challenge is most unfortunate and unwise.
My views would be identical if the roles were reverse.
The Party is heading down a slippery slope which will be very difficult to reverse.
We can rationalize any action but the consequences of those actions will be known in the fullness of time.
I offer this to Comrade Phillips;
"Wisdom is the principal thing,therefore get wisdom: and in all thy getting ,get understanding"---- Proverbs 4 vs 7
History will judge this decision and the verdict, in my view will be that you demonstrated a profound error in judgement.
It is not too late to revisit this decision.

Comment (1)

#2.1 Vivian Francis on 2008-07-15 16:31 (Reply)

Peter Phillips you should be ashamed of your self. You are supose to respect and work with the leader to further build the party. You got your chance and lost, GET OVER IT!! This now serves to further divide the party and strenght the jlp. Congrats Phillips. I hope comrades will stand firm behind our leader comrade Simpson-Miller. May god continue to be with you and know your party will stand by you.

Comment (1)

#3 andre (Homepage) on 2008-07-15 17:18 (Reply)

Monday when I turn on the computer to look at the news from Jamaica I was very suprise to see that Dr. Peter Phillips will be going up against Mrs. Simpsom-Miller for President of the PNP. As a supporter of the party and a student stuying here in America I am very suprise at the recent turn of events. Dr. Phillips needs to support Mrs. Simpson-Miller and at this time when I return to Jamaica I will not be supporting the PNP if Dr. Phillips win the election. We need to be focused on riding the country of a government that has failed and prepare ourself for an early election. Dr. Phillips as an aspiring politician you have just pull the certain from under my feet and it will be hard for me to support you. Remember the PNP is bigger than you and anybody self ambition and in this case you have put self over party and country. My paryer is that good sense will prevail and the internal battle will be settled before more harm is done to my beloved party. God bless you all and God bless Jamaica land we love.

Comment (1)

#4 Junior A Wright on 2008-07-15 18:10 (Reply)

I am extremely unhappy about this turn of event that is taking place within my beloved people national party. I have been and will continue to be a supporter of my party president The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller. It is quite clear that internal conflict stirred up by Phillips lead us to a narrow defeat at the last elections and this great Movement will not forgive you Peter phillips if you continue this challenge. Comrade leader, I want you to fight off this challenge in a steadfast way and hold you head high. We love you.

Comment (1)

#5 Dean Crawford (Homepage) on 2008-07-15 20:45 (Reply)

I am very dissapointed at the message coming from the PNP to me it is saying that if you are poor and uneducated you have no place in this party we can only respect you if you have PHD. My family and I have been members of this party from birth. The contribution that The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller gave to this party deserves much more respect that what is been given to here. I am praying that the Comrade leader will come out the winner again. If not we will be in opposition for a very, very long time. I would like to know what is the big rush why Mr. Phillips cant wait his turn? the former Leaders all handed down so why can;t this be done?

Comment (1)

#6 Lorna Harris on 2008-07-16 05:02 (Reply)

hi portia my 3 year old son love u so mush, i want u to use the festival song gi mi back me sweat jamaica wright thrue your capmpain love u with u .

Comment (1)

#7 lynval francis on 2008-07-16 07:51 (Reply)

1. Mr. Phillips Why didn't you challenge PJ Patterson when he was party president for so many years?
2. y can't people from humble beginings lead a country?
3. y do they have to have a PHD?
i do believe this is a personal attack on the party president and you should withdraw your challenge with immidiate effect. at this point in time the party does not need a leadership challenge, what it nedds is unity. i believe that u r the reason y we lost the general election, u were hardly seen on the election campaigns. Now it's even worst, every time Simpson Miller is out there working and seeking support for d party u r never seen. Mrs. Simpson Miller as done an overwelming job as not only party president, but every since she entered representational politics. FULL SPEED AHEAD DELEGATES AND JOIN TEAM PORTIA, SHE CARES, SHE SHARES AND SHE'S ALWAYS THERE.

Comments (3)

#8 Lawrence Rowe on 2008-07-16 08:21 (Reply)

You are so correct...

Comment (1)

#8.1 dean on 2008-07-16 08:52 (Reply)

I do not believe that this challenge can be good for our party at this time.only today the polls have put us in the position of being in a dead heat position if an election were to be called now,
Our country needs the PNP's experience at this time to guide them through the fallout that is taking place worldwide.
Comrade Leader Portia Simpson Miller is seen not only by the delegates but in several recent polls to be the better leader to take the country forward.
Comrade Peter Phillips should back off now and allow the party to unite and go forward.
If he goes forward with this challenge not only will history condemn him but he will be harshly judged by his own comrades who do not wish any contests at this time

Comment (1)

#9 paulne stone myrie on 2008-07-16 12:46 (Reply)

i can remember when Mrs. Simpson Miller won the presidential race, she carried me and other comrades into the national stadium and ran around the field. it was the first i had been at the national stadium and i am greatful for that opportunity that she gave me. i was 17+. she is know to be a care giver, she is like a mother to not only the party but jamaica as a whole. she is an excellent leader who loves and enjoys the task given to her. she as done a significant job throughout all the years she has been in representational politics.
Manley came and unite the party.
Patterson came and build.
Portia is here to lead.
and that she will do.
SO GET OVER IT PHILLIPS!! AND STOP BEING A LIABILITY TO THE PARTY AND FOLLOW Mrs. SIMPSON MILLER FOOT STEP AND BE AN ASSET. U, Maxine and the of your followers the party needs to stop this madness and seek medical attention because i do believe you are mentally challenged.

Comments (3)

#10 Lawrence Rowe on 2008-07-16 13:11 (Reply)

Peter Phillips need to publicly appologize to comrade simpson miller for that rude attack.

Comments (3)

#11 Lawrence Rowe on 2008-07-16 13:26 (Reply)

All of you can stay there, the new Comrade leader will soon be in the presidents chair and ready to re-organise the party so that Jamaicans can take us seriously again and lead us to victory at the polls. U had your chance and with 75% approval rating and losing the election, there is no coming back, the wind of change is nigh.

Comment (1)

#12 Leighton Morrison on 2008-07-16 14:31 (Reply)

Leighton,
What will Peter do with the Comrade Leader's supporters?
Is he going to expel them from the party?
If for 2 years his supporters refused to embrace the Comrade Leader , how can he expect support if he becomes the Leader?
This is a no win situation.
I heard political analysts Dicky Crawford , Lloyd B Smith and Dr Paul Ashley express the same views...that this challenge is bad for the Party.
As Comrade Ferguson warned the Golding Administration last week in Parliament," he who have ears to ear let him hear".
"Tom druck but Tom nuh fool" ... Lloyd B Smith in Tuesday Jamaica Observer.

Comments (3)

#12.1 George on 2008-07-16 14:49 (Reply)

Leighton, the main reason we lost the election was that the plot by the so called educated MP and their supporters was to not support the Comrade leader, many of these MP were too lazy to go out in their constituency and work. Many of only piggy back on the comrade leader. What I find sad is than we are playing right into the hands of the JLP.
God be with you Madam Comrade Leader.

Comments (2)

#12.2 Rose Marie on 2008-07-16 14:55 (Reply)

Comrade Phillips needs to address the substance of the charges made by Milton Russell. Instead of doing so, he made a feeble attempt at dismissing Milton Russell the person.
Comrade Phillips contends that he has the vision, capacity and intellect to move the party forward.
This Party has a noble tradition.
If Miton Russell's charges are accurate, it speaks to a coordinated effort by Comrade Phillips and or his supporters to sabotage not the Comrade Leader but the entire Party.
Comrades needs to demand a thorough response .

Comments (3)

#13 George on 2008-07-16 15:59 (Reply)

In my opinon-which I am entitled to....
This move is to over throw the party! BLANTANTLY unacceptable!
The move is not that of PNP. Frankly "wi nuh live suh"

Seems Cde Phillips is portraying behaviour of Super Ego (as we Psychologist would say)

My ques is, at Cde Portia's age do you think she would remain at the position forever? Let me answer that I think not...
Patience is a virtue...
Retribution is a hell of a thing. Cde Peter, just remember there are many of us younger Cde's observing you, your acts & your supporters. Be careful we don't do the same to you & them when we rise to your level as well...

Cde Portia would have been a great asset to you in the future-(When your time come, but you choose to kill that now)

As to where you are entitled to running for the post, be careful of the timing. The time we are gonna be waisting money & resources on campaigning; some of that money could pay off some of our party's debts (which are many). But then again, you have your own agenda (& not the party's interest at heart)

There is a man on the other side of the fence who is eager to assist you with funds. Just remeber not to sell your soul to the devil.This is the same person who tek all him could from PNP & left us for JLP

Either way I wish you both the best in your endevaros.
May the Lords Blessings be upon The People's National Party.
May good sense prevail....
Cde Norman & Michael Manley must be rolling in them grave.'How heart rendering....

Touch not the Lord's anointed.....
Cde Portia, I pray that the Lord will keep you safe. Love you
Keep Sweet
I will always admire you for who you are & what you stand for.

Tinkerbell

Comment (1)

#14 Tinkerbell on 2008-07-16 16:35 (Reply)

For now, I will be invoking "Ronald Reagan 11th commandandment" ie I will not speak ill off another Comrade.
But if Comrade Phillips fails to speak to address some issues such as:
(1)Providing answers to Comrade Milton Russells' charges.
(2)Providing answers to what steps he took to galvanize his supporters to vigourously embrace the new leader after the 2005 leadership contest.
(3) What role certain big money interest are playing in this new leadership bid.
I noticed Mark Wignall is calling on the Comrade Leader to step down and not subject the Party to a similar fate as the Seaga era in the JLP.
Is there a connection between those big money interest and the Mark Wignall call.
I am certain that the Comrade Leader could not stack the party machinery with "her loyalist"in two short years as Wignall is suggesting.
Comrade Phillips needs to speak openly to these issues.
As Comrade Leader Michael Manley said "We are not for sale".

Comments (3)

#15 George on 2008-07-16 17:26 (Reply)

Peter Phillips decision to challenge the Comrade leader Portia Simpson Miller only serve to confirm that he is determine to ensure a SOLID AS A ROCK VICTORY FOR the JLP.

Comment (1)

#16 Anonymous on 2008-07-16 21:47 (Reply)

You are 100% correct. I MUST REMIND COMRADES AGAIN THAT THE MAIN REASON WE WON SO MANY ELECTIONS WAS BECAUSE OF THE WAR IN THE JLP CAMP. WAKE UP, WAKE UP !!!!!! I BEG YOU ALL. IF you love the Party as you claim,???? Look at the USA Obama and Clinton working together for victor.

Comment (1)

#16.1 Shara on 2008-07-17 05:41 (Reply)

Comrades, and yes we are all comrades. Can we honestly say that the party is moving in the right direction? I was supporter of Dr. Phillips in 2006 because I believed he was the best person, with the most experience to unify the party after the presidential election. I was not, and still am not anti-Portia! In fact when she one I gladly hailed her as comrade leader and hoped that she would unify the party and prepare it for elections that same year, July the latest. At 75% approval rating, there was only one way the polls would go the longer she waited to call an election. Instead of unifying the party she and her crew decided to try and get rid of all those who did not support her in the election. i watched with dismay when instead of dealing with serious party business at NEC, she performed petty gimmicks like running around the room saying "Portia Ready!! are you ready?!!!". That was a complete joke and unbecoming of a PNP leader. N.M. Manley never acted like that, Michael never acted like that, PJ never acted like that. NEC is for serious business, not foolish, child-like gimmicktry.

Our Party is broke, rudderless, and going no where but down and it is not Peter Phillips fault. Portia has never been a uniter. She has held grudges against all those who did not support her when she ran against PJ in 1992, grudges that were still strong 14 years after!!! A leader cannot be one to hold grudges! Seaga was a grudgeful leader and it destroyed the JLP, Portia has the same personality and is destroying the PNP. Again I hold nothing personal against Portia, but our Party can do better and MUST do better.

Love and respect to all my comrades. Let's keep this campaign civil and about ideas. Let the person with the better plans and vision for our Party and Country prevail!!!

Comment (1)

#17 Comradeforever on 2008-07-17 08:38 (Reply)

I understand the reasons you view the party president statement in NEC as Petty gimmicks.After all persons like u(Supporters of Comrade? Phillips) did not wish for her or the party to be ready.I say this with no apology because in my home constituency, well known supporters of Phillips were hoping for the Party to be defeated in the Sep.3 general election. A well known supporter of Phillips said this on election night,"what lost I won my seat".

Comment (1)

#17.1 Member of the PNP YO on 2008-07-17 12:05 (Reply)

If the Party is broke don't blame it on the Leader, what have you all done to help the Party? when was the last fund raising event held? Seem we have forgotten all about that. Be careful!!!! let us not fall into the trap where we have to pay back big time, or have to bow to those who have money and it end up costing out great party to MASH UP because of selfish or GREEDY habits. What is sad with those of you that support Comrade Phillips instead of working with the Leader you all criticize her, if she did good you all gave her a hard time, What did he, Maxine and the rest of you do to unite the party? Comrade Leader Portia I pray that God will disappoint the devices of the crafty and wicked. Be strong, and never give up the fight.

Comments (2)

#17.2 Rose Marie on 2008-07-17 14:32 (Reply)

It is full time for the PNP to redefine itself and reconnect to its party base, the comrades who are the foot soldiers of the Party. Right now I am not sure what the PNP stands for and slowly I am getting turn off by the in fighting and divison in my party.
I dont have a problem with Dr Peter Phillips going up against the Hon Portia Simpson-Miller for the presidency of the party, however if he is going to undermine others in party and moreso "mash up" the party for his own selfish reasons then I have a problem with that and I too would stop supporting the PNP. It would be sad if the PNP campaign for the JLP, then as we all know that we will be in opposition for a long time. Do we remember what happened to the JLP in the 1990's
I would say to Maxine Henry-Wlison, a lady who i respect very much that she should show the same respect to Portia Simpson-Miller that she shows to Peter, also K D Knight should speak less and Peter should not use the Patriots to campaign for him,
LET THE BEST PERSON WINS

Comments (3)

#18 wayne simmonds on 2008-07-17 10:38 (Reply)

Shame on you Peter if your supporters and you wanted the PNP to loose the last general elections. Peter you should party above self. SHAME SHAME

Comments (3)

#19 wayne simmonds on 2008-07-17 12:10 (Reply)

Maxine, Horace Dalley, K D Knight, the world is watching you and please dont embarass the PNP because the PNP belongs to all of us and I am dying to see the back of you`OLD FOOT.

Comments (3)

#20 wayne simmonds on 2008-07-17 12:16 (Reply)

All the backbiters that stood by and watch Mamma P trying to win the last elections on her own without lifting a finger to help her will soon find out what its like to be out in the cold. I dont hate Peter but I will never forgive him for dishonoring Our Former Prime minister and comrade leader. Like Nanny, Portia you will rise up and whip these neo-redcoats that are seeking to use class to devide our great movement. Mamma, we are with you...all the way.

Comment (1)

#21 james on 2008-07-17 12:41 (Reply)

Its a sad day for the PNP. Just when the polls are in our favour. Some1 has to come and ruin the hope of restoring our movement as the government of Jamaica. I blame you Dr. Phillips you. You could never have the interest of the PNP at heart. Your move is a selfish one. Though democracy is respected in the party, you have selfishly taken advantage of it.

Shame on you too Maxine!

Comment (1)

#22 Ro on 2008-07-17 15:22 (Reply)

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Comment (1)

#23 test on 2008-07-29 20:12 (Reply)

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