Wayne Munroe: why I joined the PLP

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe, QC, said yesterday he decided to join the Progressive Liberal Party because its “philosophy is more in line” with where he sees The Bahamas going.

On Tuesday, the PLP announced that Mr Munroe, the Democratic National Alliance’s Mt Moriah candidate in the 2012 election, joined the party on September 7.

Yesterday Mr Munroe admitted he did not inform DNA Leader Branville McCartney, his childhood friend, of his decision to leave the party because he “didn’t think it was necessary”.

“On Monday I formally joined the Progressive Liberal Party,” Mr Munroe told the media yesterday. “I looked at the available parties, I looked at their philosophy and I found that historically, philosophically and in execution of its philosophy the PLP is more suited to my view of where the Bahamas should be going.”

“I will continue to be in private practice, I will continue to represent individuals and I have no doubt that some of them will be against the government, so for instance the police overtime case is still outstanding, I have certain instructions from the correctional officers, so this is just joining a political party.”

On Tuesday, Mr McCartney said the PLP’s announcement caught him by surprise.

He told The Tribune that the DNA had placed Mr Munroe on its list of prospective candidates for the next general election and still considered him a member of the third party.

“I did not see it as necessary (to inform Mr McCartney). We were friends from I was a boy but this is a about a party and I have chosen the PLP,” Mr Munroe explained, speaking to a ZNS reporter.

In a press statement on Tuesday, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said Mr Munroe’s keen intellect, love of country and public service will serve both the party and country very well.

“As a candidate in the 2012 general election, Mr Munroe is no stranger to the local political scene and the party fully appreciates his political ambitions.

“The PLP has a sound and historic record of harnessing the skills, knowledge and talents of young Bahamians through public service to further the national developmental objectives of our great country. We are confident that this noble legacy will continue with the addition of Mr Munroe to our team. Our bench is certainly deepened and strengthened as a result.”

Over the past few years, Mr Munroe has represented clients who opposed decisions made by the governing party. He represented the Police Staff Association (PSA) during its lawsuit against the government regarding overtime pay to officers. The PSA won the case in July.

He later criticised the Royal Bahamas Police Force over its lack of response in that matter and said he and PSA were prepared to do what was needed to ensure the court’s ruling was acted upon.

The attorney also represented web shops, including Island Game, Island Luck, FML, Asue Draw, Whatfall and Chances during a court battle with the government after the failed gambling referendum.

In early 2013 he advised his clients to remain open despite then Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett lifting a conservatory order that had prevented the government from shutting down their gaming operations.

Mr Munroe has also been critical of the government’s lack of communication of certain stipulations pertaining to web shops.

Comments

shortpants says...

Deeper into the overseas bank .You did not have the decency to tell your broken down asswhip party that you were leaving speaks poorly of you and the type of person that you are jump of a ship that as already sunk ,on to one that is about to go down into the Bahamian ocean.

Posted 10 September 2015, 2:57 p.m. Suggest removal

Emac says...

Who cares??? We know you are a lying crooked lawyer just like the rest a dem and ya gon get ya a.. whoop in the next election.

Posted 10 September 2015, 3:24 p.m. Suggest removal

Cobalt says...

Exactly!

Posted 10 September 2015, 5:15 p.m. Suggest removal

birdiestrachan says...

It is just wonderful that Mr: Munroe has joined the PLP. He is a very polite man. But the truth is he does not have to explain to any one his reasons. I have always liked Mr, Munroe. He is so brilliant a fine son of the Bahamas. He makes me so proud.

Posted 10 September 2015, 3:25 p.m. Suggest removal

ThisIsOurs says...

I just had a mental image of Bradley Roberts masquerading as birdie, somewhat like the wolf in little red riding hood, with a crocheted cap on head, shawl around shoulders, squeaky voice but definitely Bradley Roberts' face.

Posted 11 September 2015, 3:12 a.m. Suggest removal

Emac says...

KMLL

Posted 11 September 2015, 6:37 p.m. Suggest removal

MonkeeDoo says...

sounds just like you birdie !
What did you think about those Bain Town kids that had to go to school on alternate days because they shared one pair of shoes ? You think Mr. Munroe might buy them another pair with all the money he has ?

Posted 10 September 2015, 3:32 p.m. Suggest removal

newcitizen says...

He loves that 'all for me, baby' philosophy.

Posted 10 September 2015, 3:34 p.m. Suggest removal

Emac says...

@birdie-Any PLP would make you proud. Just goes to show what type of person you are. Do I need say more?

Posted 10 September 2015, 3:34 p.m. Suggest removal

birdiestrachan says...

Now if you know of a family that has to share shoes. Put your hands in your pocket and buy them shoes. Or even better go to your FNM Party and have them buy the shoes. then go to the FNM TV station and show yourselves on TV presenting the Shoes. Now if you can not perform this simple act. May be, just may be, it is time to stop telling this outrages tale. If I knew of such a family, they would have had shoes a long time ago.

Posted 10 September 2015, 3:45 p.m. Suggest removal

cmiller says...

The PLP thinks they're getting a prize or something really valuable by getting Wayne?????? Can't stop laughing!!!

Posted 10 September 2015, 5:45 p.m. Suggest removal

Wideawake says...

Autumn coming! A lot of those green leaves on the DNA tree gonna be turning red or yellow!!

Posted 10 September 2015, 9:48 p.m. Suggest removal

a2z says...

Yes he's right. The PLP is shit and the Bahamas is going to shit.

Posted 10 September 2015, 10:51 p.m. Suggest removal

banker says...

The real interesting part about this whole non-story, is how Munroe treated his supposed friend Bran. This goes to character. You would think that valued human altruistic attributes like friendship and honesty and openness would trump politics, but apparently not for this lawyer. It speaks volumes about the character of the PLP and its gang members.

Question: What do you call a mailboat that sinks to the bottom of the ocean, with a thousand Bahamian lawyers on it?

Answer: A good start.

Posted 11 September 2015, noon Suggest removal

Honestman says...

Yesterday Mr Munroe admitted he did not inform DNA Leader Branville McCartney, his childhood friend, of his decision to leave the party because he “didn’t think it was necessary”.

Be careful the friends you choose Bran!

Posted 11 September 2015, 2:21 p.m. Suggest removal

asiseeit says...

Lets be real. This man is doing well for himself but he see's the big money the nefarious politicians are pulling in and wants some of that. Greed is a serious affliction.

Posted 11 September 2015, 3:02 p.m. Suggest removal

MonkeeDoo says...

birdie...: Someone in Woods Alley south of Wulff Road in Bain Town has a church and a Lodge went to provide a meal for some 150 people a couple weeks ago and this is where this came to light. Your PLP has been representing Bain and Grants Towns from that time. They done anything for the people who live there and vote for them every five years ?

Posted 11 September 2015, 3:32 p.m. Suggest removal

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