Former Leader of Government Business Kurt Tibbetts intends to run for another term in the Legislative Assembly next year.
Mr. Tibbetts’ proclamation at a People’s Progressive Movement rally Monday evening dispels political retirement rumours sparked by his decision to step down as Leader of the Opposition and PPM Political Leader in November 2010.
He said Tuesday morning, “Some people assumed because I stepped down as leader, I may have thought it was the end of the road for me. But that isn’t the case.”
Mr. Tibbetts has represented George Town in the Legislative Assembly since 1992. He became Leader of Government Business in 2000. He is a founding member of the PPM, and was elected PPM leader in 2003.
“I believe that while the PPM has been actively looking for new blood and making sure that we have a full slate of candidates for the next general election, that it is also important that we have a balanced team of individuals with an infusion of new blood and still enough experience to make sure that we can function as a government,” he said.
In February, Mr. Tibbetts’ rival, Premier McKeeva Bush, similarly shot down speculation about his own possible retirement, saying critics had “stirred the old fire in me”.
New blood
During Monday’s meeting, Mr. Tibbetts said, “When I stepped down as leader of the party, I want you to know that that was a considered decision, and it was not with any pressure from anyone. I did it because in my best judgement I thought that the country and the party could do with an infusion of new blood. Some of us – other people that is – can’t take that kind of hint.”
He added, “But it doesn’t mean that I’m old and cold. And I am going nowhere.”
Woody DaCosta of West Bay is one potential candidate who appears to have the PPM’s blessing. Mr. DaCosta spoke at Monday’s rally regarding the one person, one vote initiative he is helping to spearhead. Mr. DaCosta stood as an independent candidate in 2009.
“For the first time in our history we have more political autonomy than we ever did before, and that comes with great responsibility. Men among men should be the ones that are stewarding us into the future, not abusing us into oblivion,” he said Monday.
After Monday’s meeting, Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin said his party plans to support seven new candidates in next year’s election, including Mr. DaCosta, Wayne Panton and Alva Suckoo. That list does not include United Democratic Party founding member Frank McField, who made a surprise appearance at Monday’s rally to rail against the premier, his former ally.
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It is sad that guys that lost their spark can’t seem to rap it up, close it out or shut it down. Being a nice guy and all of that isn’t cutting it anymore. Maybe the smart voters will get a Bee in their Bonnet and bypass his name. He is hanging around like an unwanted motherin-law and someone needs to tell him. Now I know the money is good but your just a little to yesterday for these times. We need new people that can fight day and night not retire to bed at 8pm. Please move on to a more suitable career and thank you for your service.