NDM reviews resignations

A SUB-COMMITTEE of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) set up to review the recent resignations which have shaken the party, submitted its report last Wednesday.

The committee which included the former party president, Bruce Golding, said that former treasurer Stafford Haughton, has given his assurance that he would continue to be involved in the movement.

Gregory Mair who stepped down as general-secretary, did not attend the meetings. However, the sub-committee reported that he gave his commitment to represent the party in the North East St. Andrew constituency.

According to the report, no meeting has yet been held with former deputy general-secretary April Douglas, while the discussion with former vice president Barbara Clarke was discontinued pending discussions with HOT 102 radio station.

In what appears to be an attempt to rebuild, the executive committee nominated Brascoe Lee to act as interim party chairman and Mr. Hugh Thompson as the interim chairman of the Finance Committee. It also mandated President Hyacinth Bennett to request Mr. Golding to take on the party's Finance portfolio.

Last week the party appointed the review committee, following the resignations of a number of senior officers.

The resignations were linked to an advertisement Miss Clarke placed on Hot 102 Radio recently calling for unity in the country, but which some party members felt was an attempt to distance herself from the party.

Miss Clarke subsequently accused Mrs. Bennett of calling the radio station complaining about the ad. However, Mrs. Bennett has denied this.

The party has been split down the middle on the incident, with members lining up behind Miss Clarke and others backing Mrs. Bennett.

Since Mrs. Bennett took over the leadership of the party from Mr. Golding earlier this year, some members have also complained about what they claim is her autocratic leadership style.

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