By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE Progressive Liberal Party will discuss marital rape, legalising marijuana for recreational use and transitioning to a republic during the party’s 55th national convention on November 9 and 10, according to Senator Quinton Lightbourne, the event’s co-chair.

“Additionally, attendees will be given an opportunity to score the government’s performance, and it promises to be an insightful reflection of the public’s view on these pivotal topics,” he said during a press conference yesterday.

He said “the essence of the discussions and decisions” on the hot-button topics will be communicated to the public even though they will occur during closed sessions in the day.

 Evening sessions will be open to the public.

 Secretary General Barbara Cartwright declined to say how much the convention would cost the party, but said it is “expensive”.

 She noted that national offices will be up for grabs but declined to say who and how many have applied for positions.

 Thursday is the deadline for applications.

 “The secretary-general says we’ll know Thursday close of business who is running and not running, but the Progressive Liberal Party is an open, transparent organisation,” said PLP chairman Fred Mitchell, who has declined to confirm whether he will seek re-election.

 The convention will follow a raucous National General Council meeting last week where Kingsley Smith was ratified as the nominee for the upcoming West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election, a decision opposed by supporters of Shane Gibson, the former Cabinet minister looking to make a political comeback.

 Asked if Mr Gibson has been a part of efforts to unify the party behind the scenes, Mr Mitchell said: “Everybody’s been engaged behind the scenes”.

 He said “a spirit of enthusiasm” and energy emerges from national conventions, which he believes will help the party in the by-election.

 “They will know that the Progressive Liberal Party is a safe bet because for three years, Brave Davis and the Progressive Liberal Party will be the government of the country,” he said. “So it would be the safest course, let’s put it at a minimum of that, would be to support the party in power because the party in power has the ability to deliver for the people of West Grand Bahama and Bimini.”

 “They’ve given us a mandate for five years. Unfortunately, due to the cause of death and the untimely death of our member, the term was cut short by three years.”

“We’re asking them to continue the mandate for three years, which the former member had and unfortunately was cut short. I think it’s going to be a compelling case. There’ll be high energy coming out of it, and I expect us to retain the seat.”