Chuckie For PPM?
Charles ‘Chuckie’ Clifford
Monday, August 2, 2004
A new name has surfaced as a possible People’s Progressive Movement (PPM)
candidate for the electoral district of Bodden Town as several prominent party
members confirmed they were in discussions with Charles ‘Chuckie’ Clifford.
Mr Clifford resigned his position as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of
Tourism, Environment, Development and Commerce, which is under the guidance of
Leader of Government Business Hon McKeeva Bush, last Friday.
The PPM leadership has already identified five potential candidates in Bodden
Town, of which only three can be chosen.
Others previously known to be seeking the PPM nomination in Bodden Town
include incumbent MLA Anthony Eden, whose place on the ticket is most likely
assured, Osbourne Bodden, Joey Ebanks, George Ebanks and Sandra Catron.
Even with the crowed slate, sources close to the PPM executive indicated that
there is a significant groundswell within the Bodden Town community for the
recruitment of a prominent public service officer to square off against the two
incumbent United Democratic Party (UDP) members, Hon Gilbert McLean and Hon Roy
Bodden.
Cayman Net News understands that a survey was carried out among a cross
section of Bodden Towners that revealed that several voters were in favor of a
non-traditional political personality joining the PPM slate in the district.
A former police officer and attorney, the 40-year-old Mr Clifford has risen
to the position of Permanent Secretary within the government service.
His contesting the elections on a ticket other than that of the Minister with
whom he worked for the past four years could deliver a major blow to Mr Bush and
the UDP’s campaign.
The PPM’s Constitution provides for ordinary members of the party to nominate
individuals from the society whom they consider worthy of consideration by the
party’s councils.
It is already known that a similar situation occurred in the district of
George Town where Pastor Steve Blair, not then a member of PPM, emerged as a
popular choice among residents of George Town. Pastor Blair has reportedly since
joined the PPM and is now considered a serious contender for one of the two
vacant positions on the PPM’s slate in George Town.
Chairman of the PPM’s Bodden Town Council Joey Ebanks, acknowledged that Mr
Clifford has been receiving positive reviews among Bodden Towners, especially
civil servants, but declined to state whether direct contact had been made with
Mr. Clifford.
Political Leader of the PPM, Hon Kurt Tibbetts, said he knew Mr Clifford
personally and that he has always been impressed by his ability and commitment
as a public servant. “Of course the PPM would be honored to have a person of Mr
Clifford’s character, calibre and standing join our ranks and contest a seat in
the forthcoming elections.”
Still, Mr Tibbetts could not confirm the possibility of Mr Clifford’s joining
the PPM. “I am not aware of any direct approach being made to Mr Clifford, but
if he is called by the people and he is moved to answer the call of the people,
I would certainly be the first to welcome him into the family of the PPM. The
PPM’s nominations are still a few weeks away and one never knows what could
happen,” he said.
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