By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

STATE Minister for National Security Keith Bell said he hopes he will be promoted to the senior position and become minister of national security if the Progressive Liberal Party wins the next general election.

“If God has it so, yes, absolutely,” he said in response to a question from The Tribune about the matter. “In the next administration I hope (to become it).”

His remarks came as he confirmed that he will be ratified tonight as the PLP’s candidate in the Carmichael constituency.

“I would’ve gone before the Candidate’s Committee and been presented before the branch and the branch indicated about a week ago that they consented to me becoming the candidate in that constituency,” he said on Wednesday. “I’m confident (I will win) for a number of reasons. First of all, the people believe in the PLP, our policies and philosophy. Secondly, (current area MP) Dr Danny Johnson has done some work in the community. The third thing is I’m familiar with a number of persons in the community. They have a very strong team branch and also have very vibrant progressive young liberals in the community and I think my going inside there will continue to build upon the philosophy of the PLP, that is to empower the needy, the poor and to engender confidence, entrepreneurship and everything that is positive.”

Mr Bell’s comments about his ambitions raise the question of whether current National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage intends to run in the next election.

Asked about this yesterday, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said: “I’m not aware that he is not running.”

He said the PLP has not yet officially asked Dr Nottage if he will offer himself for re-election.

Mr Roberts said one other person has expressed a desire to run for the party in the Bain Town constituency, but did not reveal that person’s name.

In addition to Senator Bell, Sea Breeze MP Hope Strachan is also expected to be ratified tonight.