| Simons announces candidacy, calls for Greene’s resignation | | Print | |
| Written by Richard Green/richard@fptci.com | |||
| Friday, 09 March 2012 10:37 | |||
 Carlos Simons restated in an open letter to the Progressive National Party his intention to run for party leader and called on current Leader Clayton Greene to step down because of criminal charges pending against him. The March 6 letter led to a flurry of e-mails between Simons, former Minister Royal Robinson, Greene and members of the news media revealing tension in party ranks as they prepare for the possibility of elections later this year and a return to elected government. Greene, an attorney, was charged Feb. 7 with three counts of laundering money for former Minister Floyd Hall in transactions totaling $1.7 million. Greene says he’s innocent and will fight the charges. “Calling a spade a spade, (Greene’s) behavior is outrageous and contravenes every accepted norm of proper conduct in public office,” Simons said in his letter. “Just as the charge against him has been made publicly, he must now publicly offer his resignation and leave it to the party to decide whether or not to ask him to stay on until a new leader can be elected in an orderly way. The matter might be different had there been a deputy leader, but thanks to the leader, and contrary to the Constitution of our party, there is no deputy!” In September 2010, Greene selected Albray Butterfield Jr. as deputy leader, but objections from party members caused Butterfield to step down a month later, and no one has been appointed to fill that position. Robinson fired back a letter to Simons, criticizing him for stating his case publicly instead of taking it up with party members. Greene also sent an e-mail saying he was shocked by Simons’ letter because Simons had earlier advised Greene to stay on as leader until the party chose a new leader at its next meeting. Green also called Simons’ letter “a personal attack on me.” Simons and party Chairman Donhue Gardiner then appeared together on WIV4 News on March 7, when Gardiner announced that Greene will not be running for leader at the next party meeting. Simons said he did not know that and was “comforted” with that knowledge. Despite differences of opinion, the PNP is strong and united, Gardiner said. In August 2010, Green defeated Simons, former Premier Michael Misick and E. Jay Saunders to become leader of the PNP. In November, the People’s Democratic Party also saw its leader of two years, Doug Parnell, replaced when former chief minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands Derek Taylor defeated him in party voting. Click HERE to read Simons' open letter Click HERE to read Robinson's reply Click HERE to read Simons' reply to Robinson Click HERE to read Greene's reply to Robinson Click HERE to read Robinson's reply to SimonsPhoto: Clayton Greene (left), Carlos Simons (right)
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