Dr Peter Phillips launches his campaign for leadership of the People's National Party at the National Arena on January 15, 2006. - Ian Allen Staff/Photographer

ROBERT PICKERSGILL, People's National Party (PNP) chairman, said he would be "surprised" if Comrade Peter Phillips acted on his word and did not show for today's annual conference.

On Friday, Phillips issued a letter stating that his attendance should be excused from the conference against the background that there was a reported move for an amendment of the party's constitu-tion, which would give security of tenure to the office of the presidency.

However, Pickersgill told The Sunday Gleaner that Phillips' reason for absence had no basis as the party had no intention of changing its position on that issue at this coference.

"Peter should know there has to be a 60-day notice for this move to take place at this conference. I couldn't do that," he said.

Phillips' decision comes weeks after he was defeated by Portia Simpson Miller for the presidency of the 70-year-old party. Simpson Miller won by 373 votes and later named a shadow Cabinet without Phillips, who had served as opposition spokesman on national security.

Acceptance at conference

Still, the chairman said he was absolutely confident that Phillips and his supporters would be accepted at the conference.

"His absence will be conspicuous and regrettable," said Pickersgill.

"I would be very surprised if he doesn't show," he added.

In the letter, Phillips said if the move was taken to amend the constitution of the party, it could "have far-reaching implications".