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Update:Hamilton Lashley Resigns From The Barbados Labour Party: Will Sit As An Independent In Parliament

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by TREVOR YEARWOOD

HAMILTON LASHLEY, who was Minister of Social Transformation in the previous Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Government, has landed a top job with the present Democratic Labour Party (DLP) administration.

Read full article in the Nation Newspaper
Mr. Hamilton Lashley - St. Michael South East
Mr. Hamilton Lashley – St. Michael South East MP
Updated – Audio Clip, Hami Resigns

Member of Parliament Hamilton Lashley is scheduled to appear on the Sunday Brasstacks Show on VOB92.9 FM today. Click on the following link VOB92.9 FM link and follow the discussion.

BREAKING NEWS: Hammie an Independent

Published on: 9/11/08.

Populist politician Hamilton Lashley has declared his independence.

The St. Michael South East parliamentary representative announced on Thursday that he will be sitting as an independent when Parliament reconvenes on October 7.

Speaking at a press conference at the Parkinson Community Centre located in the heart of his constituency, the popular grass roots politician broke ranks with the Opposition Barbados Labour Party. His departure reduces the party’s numbers in the House to just nine seats. In explaining his decision to leave, Lashley said:

“I have searched my heart and soul for reasons why I should remain a part of the parliamentary group of the BLP. I certainly observed in the dying stages of that administration a shift from the policies and emphasis that I promoted in the interest of the less fortunate and downtrodden, which in my view became less important to those persons of influence.”

Lashley’s declaration ended months of speculation which reached a fever pitch in the last 24 hours with rumours of his imminent departure spreading throughout the island. As recently as August 23, Lashley indirectly addressed the rumours, saying that he was “a B- a Bajan.”

“I solely fight for the rights of poor people and the underprivileged and it is that that guides me,” he said then in an interview with the NATION.

He said then that the time for partisan politics in Barbados had past and during his announcement Thursday, he dedicated much of his time to that position.

“There is not another time in this country’s history that Barbadians need to rally more as one and as a people. There are too many challenges and the world is now a global village. If we continue to play partisan politics in this country, we will continue to be a declining nation.”

His support of the governing Democratic Labour Party in the Budget debates in July stirred talk that he would re-join the DLP which he left in November 1998, after initially winning on their ticket in the 1994 elections. However, at the very end of his presentation yesterday, he made his position clear, stating:

“There are people in this country who think that because you are poor, you can be bought but I am not for sale and my beliefs are not for sale. The perception is that I will be going over to the DLP and it may surprise some people but when Parliament reconvenes in October, I will still be on the opposite side but this time as an independent member of Parliament supporting any social policy or measure that is beneficent to the poor people of Barbados.”

Courtesy of www.nationnews.com

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164 responses to “Update:Hamilton Lashley Resigns From The Barbados Labour Party: Will Sit As An Independent In Parliament”

  1. Boar Cat Avatar
    Boar Cat

    This is no story
    This is crap
    will Hammie la go back to the DLP ?
    yes

  2. Glock Locked Avatar
    Glock Locked

    BFP had the story up 24 hours ago. try agin!

  3. David Avatar
    David

    As always we congratulate BFP for bring information to the public.

    In defense of this blog MP Hammie Lashley made his announcement minutes ago.

    Is he an opportunist?
    Should he have to resign and declare the seat vacant.

    BU’s position is his seat should be forced to be declared vacant.

  4. PiedPiper Avatar
    PiedPiper

    If you jump too many ships, you just might wind up in the sea with no life preserver.

  5. Redds Avatar
    Redds

    Good riddance

  6. Curious Avatar
    Curious

    I used to think that Hammie’s intentions were good, but I am afraid that he is looking opportunistic now – he says he will sit as independent and support govt’s policies – seems to me he has crossed the floor – and for what – we should wait to see what job/consultancy he gets. Also what will become ofthe promised investigations into UDC – I wonder if the other Ministers/MPs on govt side were aware that this was happening

  7. The scout Avatar
    The scout

    In your post, you stated that the BLP has been reduced to 8. who else has crossed or resigned? Owen?

  8. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Scout,You can thank the Nationnews.com for that error. From what I see at the end of the quoted article BU give credit to nationnews.com for the article.

  9. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    @ David

    Don’t want to make any comments on Hammie at this time but the BU position caught my attention.

    I held the same position for a long time. Not sure that it is a bad position within the context of party politics, because for the most part I would argue that it is the party’s seat.

    However, would you say that if you had to tie the seat to the party (which the constitution does not do), that effectively this would place too much power in the party and even more power in the hands of the Prime Minister?

    It is here that we have to define our democracy. In communists Russia, you could not resign from the party and stay in your seat. If you are not in the party you are out of politics.

    Even though we talking about a one-party state, in a two party state that rule would be enforced. If it were multi party, then that politician could form his own party.

    Do you think that if Hammie ran as an independent he would win? And before you answer that question, don’t put it past him, because if he sits out this term as an independent, he may well demonstrate to his constituents that don’t care what party is in, he can help them.

  10. Q Avatar
    Q

    NEW MATHS

    10- 1 =8

  11. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    I support Hammie lah for declaring in a very real sense what he has been, in his deeds and actions, while sitting with either political party. However, his constituents have to be prepared for the possibility of a backlash as this moves weakens both parties,… the Blp more so than the other. The DLP may encourage this move and reward Hammie lah and his constituents in the interim, but if he decides to run as a independent in the next election the DLP may then play hardball. Ultimately it is still not clear if his command of his constituent’s loyalty, though substantial, is strong enough for them (constituents) to stay with him and elect him in 2013 as an independent. Such would constitute a watershed event in our political history, one that i would welcome. Will he be running again? probably not.

  12. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    As a DLP supporter I would welcome back Hammie La. He is a great Barbadian no matter which side he is on.

  13. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Q // September 11, 2008 at 1:05 pm

    NEW MATHS

    10- 1 =8
    ===========================

    ha ha ha ha ha ha,….. still not use to counting George Payne present. 😀

  14. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    question:

    If Hammie lah is truly seen as the people’s politician, and facts demonstrate that there is no place in either party for him, How can anyone truly say that either party is for the people? It is high time that the people of Barbados dare to send representatives to parliament who are not members of a political party.

  15. Checkmate-123 Avatar
    Checkmate-123

    Not a good political move, but from a personal level, it may be best for Hammie. The writing was on the wall for some time, and this move equates to defeating the purpose.
    1. Who will you speak for and be able to help?
    2. If you had a problem and wanted to get back at the Bees, it is unlikely that a resignation which leaves the party with so much time before the next constitutionally due election could do much harm.
    Hammie, you called it wrong, but you called it the only way you knew how to do so. What a shame your advisors did not seek all options. I do not believe the current PM is given to politics of inclusion, nor is he given to opportunists. Hammie you are down, raise the white flag before the count is over.

  16. David Avatar
    David

    ROK are you the political strategist behind this move? If Lashley had to be persuaded to run in the last election what was his motive for running then and what is it now?

    We agree with Adrian H’s comments above. For too long politicians like Hammie and Don Blackman have had to operate at great risk in the political parties because of people centric positions. Why must this type of politician have to operate at such great risk to career?

  17. Redds Avatar
    Redds

    I wonder if Michael Lashley was one of his advisors lol. I remember when the Nation had the picture with the caption the “3 Lashleys” standing outside parliament, who are we fooling good riddance Mia, don’t no one from the BLP side attack this man, I a BLP supporter and I welcome this move and knew it was coming.

  18. John Avatar
    John

    Do you think these guys can last to 2013?

    Hammie Lah is his own man and I believe could run and win the seat as an Independent, BLP, DLP or PEP.

    I think other people who may have considered running Independent will be watching closely what happens with Hammie.

    Suppose he runs as an Independent?

    Who are the Bees, Dees or Pees going to bring to challenge him?

    He knows his people well and unlike others, bends over backwards to serve them.

    Most interesting!!

    The only other guy in his league is Dennis K.

    All the rest are creatures of their parties making.

  19. Juris Avatar
    Juris

    The thing is, the seat is Hammie’s seat, not the BLP’s not the DLP’s…why then should it be declared vacant? Hammie has not resigned from Parliament.

  20. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    @John:

    “The only other guy in his league is Dennis K. All the rest are creatures of their parties making.”

    ==========================

    Ditto!

    2 years ago, In response to the following question: Click here to read.

    “QUOTE (Bendedknees @ Dec 31 2006, 11:31 AM)
    the big question is whether Minister Eastmond’s credo/reputation is shot! Is he now a liabilty destine to the political trash can.
    ———————–

    I said the fallowing:

    ———————–
    “It may be within the halls of power, he is a threat to that concentration, but if he has the capacity to marshall grassroot support that would signal to the leadership that this support is beyond poltical party affiliation then he would become a Dennis Kellman, a Hammie Lah, that will benefit him and his constituency. The future of political longevity will belong to those parliamentary representatives that are true adherants to what Barbadians holds to be true true representation. I think there is much utility in a Eastmond, Hammie lah, Dennis Kellman alternative poltical institution, they have a momemtum that can lead to some watershed occurance in the poltical landscape of Barbados, but the challenge is to get these men on the same page and infuse with a vision of the future, and future that they can shape. Eastmond speech if he is serious would put in on the same philosophical plain as Hammie Lah. Barbados needs more of this type of leadership. Black enfranshizement will not happen with any of the current power brokers. ”

    =================

    However i am not as sure as you are that he could win in 2013 running as an independent.
    BU’s reference to “peoples centric view” and “Checkmate-123” opinion that as an independent he can’t help anyone, which ties into Liz Thompson public acknowledgement that she “purcheses” her votes even telling voters in a previous elections that it makes no sense voting for her opponent (Cookie Monster) as he will be on the losing side and not able to help them,…..and a look at the votes cast in the last election shows that Barbadians in particular those in his constituentcy are not yet emancipated enough, away from the “Master/client” relationship that has been practice in Bridgetown and the whole of St.Michael since before independence. He barely won the last time around.

  21. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    @ David

    No I am not the strategist behind this move. Checkmate – 123 said it. I think he is basically backed into a corner. Maybe he has learned well.

    Being independent is the ultimate. maybe, contrary to Checkmate’s position that it is a wrong political move it was the correct thing to do. How long can a lepoard hide his spots. Clearly Hammie’s experiences and work in the NGO as a Civil Society advocate has now come to the fore.

    I think he had no other choice. He could not hang on to the BLP until the next election. It was the free bus fares and house ownership that upset the applecart. That was too emotional for him not to get trapped by it.

    It seems to me that Hammie, by these actions, is laying the foundation for the acceptance of independent candidates in Parliament. If he wins, anybody coming after him would have to display similar qualities.

    Finally, what would qualify as a good political move? I would say anything that appeals to people and that is timely. They are ready to accept in the face of harsh past realities. Obama?

  22. DigiEd Avatar
    DigiEd

    Scout et al…. Indeed you’re right. In my haste to get the story online I made an error. The BLP now has 9 MPs in their parliamentary group. The mistake will be corrected in our online edition within the next few minutes. Thanks for pointing out. We’re not perfect and won’t pick up all of our mistakes so it’s ok to point out where we have gone wrong. 🙂

  23. David Avatar
    David

    @Juris
    He won on a party ticket.

  24. AP Avatar
    AP

    AH,….. still not use to counting George Payne
    ………………………………………………………..
    hehehe, Nice one. Here is a runt idiot most Bajans would like to see resign for good. Hammie la is a very miserable man.

  25. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Scout et al…. History was made today as the Nation actualy brought us news live online as it happen. We the BU family need to give them some credit for trying, even though it has errors as alway’s.

  26. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    I can see a fundamental problem with Hammie riding on the coat tail of the DLP, from whence he cometh. I can see a scenario with the Honourable Undine Whittaker pushing Social services, The Honourable Dennis Lowe also pushing Social services and now The Honourable Hamilton Lashley looking for a position to continue pushing Social services. That’s going to be a problem.

    However, if you are going to be an Independent voting on a party line (Dems), you can come out and say that you are a Dee and stop fooling yourself.

  27. David Avatar
    David

    Anonymous your correct!

    Not only did they bring the news online we have had an intervention from the Webmaster from the Nation to offer clarification.

    We congratulate the Nation and look forward to this approach being sustained.

  28. DigiEd Avatar
    DigiEd

    Cuhdear Anonymous… you damn me with faint praise but I’ll still take the compliment offered. Don’t get them too often around these parts. 🙂

    But just to let you know – the Nation has actually been updating the site regularly during the day for the last month or so. I have recently been appointed as the Digital Editor and I’m making an effort to make the site more responsive and immediate in its delivery of the news. There are other things I am working on to make the site better and these will be unveiled in the coming months.

    My back is broad so I appreciate feedback and I can take criticism. So please feel free to offer both so I can make your nationnews.com experience better. 🙂

  29. DigiEd Avatar
    DigiEd

    FYI – the article has been updated again with quotes from this morning’s press conference. Also feel free to weigh in with your opinions on our discussion board. There is a link to the discussion thread at the end of the story.

  30. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    Looks like the Nation has now joined the ranks of 21st century newspapers and even offered a comment on the blogs. Has anyone seen Carl Moore?

  31. Someone said the 'BLP Stalwart' Avatar
    Someone said the ‘BLP Stalwart’

    Many of you love the man Hammie, but I am telling u, as a politician his decision was lightweight. That means his eventual decision to quit politics will come within 1 year. Who wants to bet? He no longer has political currency even if he goes into the DLP.

  32. Straight talk Avatar
    Straight talk

    Digi Ed:

    Whilst welcoming your appearance on this blog, some of us are a little concerned about the reports prior to the election that the Government had made arrangements with the media to discover the IP addresses of e-mail correspondence.

    Was there any truth in these reports, and if so what is the current position?

  33. The scout Avatar
    The scout

    ROK
    I always contended that both parties should do like Eric Williams in T&T. Each M.P tender their resignation, undated. The day you cross the floor, he would date it. Hammie is a weather cock and this is the hurricane season and the wind blows in many strange direction.

  34. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    It is easy to say that as an observer, but you know, sometimes when you fighting for people they distrust you because they can’t understand why somebody would go out of their way to help them and they ain’t accustomed to it.

    Look sharp they may pelt a big rock at you ’cause some people can’t take others showing them love and react very hostile.

    I think that knowing the environment in Barbados party politics, he is trying to find his political space as a representative of the people. You know how hard that is, so I would give him credit for trying.

    Eric Williams ever lost an election? I hope that when you answer that question that you will realise how dangerous something like that is for the country. Some were trying to accuse Owen of being a dictator and trying to create a one-party state. If he had done as Eric Williams did, the accusation would have been real.

    Understand the mechanics.

  35. me Avatar
    me

    I think that Hammie La has burned too many bridges. The DLP doesn’t “need” him, and the BLP doesn’t “want” him. In doing this he no longer has much credibility as a politician.

    He went to the BLP when they were in government to “get things done for the poor” will the DLP greet him with open arms now? I doubt it. If they do they do it with the knowlege that if they lose next time he’s gone.

    I’m sure there are many DLP party faithfuls who will make the same point.

    From a party perspective, it is far better to build the profile of someone who will stick around rather than someone who will jump ship at the next change in political weather.

  36. David Avatar
    David

    As stated earlier MP Lashley was elected on a party ticket and in our opinion he should resign if he decides to change alliance. We however think that Lashley has his heart in the right place i.e. fighting for oppressed people.

    It is interesting that when former Prime Minister Arthur wanted to change the image of the BLP which was perceived to be for the well-offs he co-opted Lashley to transform that perception with success e.g. Social Transformation ministry was born.

    If a politician for the people is not embraced by the people what does this do for others who would want to serve the people.

  37. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    @me

    You talking party politics and you are perfectly correct. That was Hammie’s dilemma from the start. The critical point is that any person has the right to try to become a representative of the people.

    Party politics effectively takes away this right and people vote for who the party puts up, rather than who they would like to vote for (a wider choice of candidates).

    This has been a criticism of the two party system as a democratic process. Of course if you don’t want a democratic country based on democratic institutions, then you go the party route as you suggest.

    While this is a much wider international issue, the problem I have is that if you let two parties grip a country, what avenue is there for the people to institute change.

    The only states which place parties in their constitutions are communist states.

    There is one point which you made about burning bridges. Politicians play to the public. In the end there is no animosity and all them have their colleagues on the other side. You could be sure that if any one of them wants a favour done they will surely get it.

    One thing hindering this is that as an opposition party, you don’t want it to be seen that Government doing things for you because it could backfire on you in the campaign trail, so it is not commonplace to ask.

    Note that all the investigations, etc. seem only to have one purpose and that is to lambast the opposition and score political points. That dance has long been choreographed.

  38. DigiEd Avatar
    DigiEd

    Straight talk. I was not here at the time but I highly, highly doubt it for numerous reasons, namely no-one has the time or inclination and very few the technical know-how to dig so deeply into emails as to check up on IP addresses.

    There is even more updated content on Lashley’s departure on nationnews.com

  39. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    @ David

    You hit the nail on the head. There must be recourse. Even the American constitution recognises this in its declaration of Independence. Note the text:

    “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. –That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

  40. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    The point is that there must always be an avenue for escape from tyranny and despotism. We decide if we want to close that road or not.

  41. Barnabas Collins Avatar
    Barnabas Collins

    I remember when the Prime Minister said at a meeting that Hammie’s shelf life had expired. It was obvious that Mr. Lashley wanted out when his health became an issue but was nudge on to stay because they (BLP) expected the election to be close. Irrespective on which side you sit, one must admire the only true grassroots politician in Barbados. They are others who say they are grassroots but alas they actions are contrary.

    I like Mr. Lashley and I see some bloggers here have called him all sorts of names but he is and will be the only grassroots politician in Barbados. He came into politics with little and is leaving with less. That is a politician who looks out for his constitutents.

    As for poilitics in Barbados, history has shown that every political party has its day. The BLP had theirs and now it is the turn of the DLP and like it or not the BLP will have a turn again even if people here think that they are “axis of evil”.

  42. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Well done Hammie. In years to come you will be lauded for this stance. Maybe you are ahead of your time but a new kind of politics needs to emerge.
    Well done my brother.

  43. dominoes Avatar
    dominoes

    How Hammie la get all this great, what has he done for this country, he only looks out for his constituency.

  44. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    One thing Hammie always tell the workers in his office is that not only poor people live in the Pine.

    People from all over Barbados would flock to his constituency office leaving hardly a space for his constituents… but he dealt with his constituents all the time. They did not have to wait until he got into his office.

    Just stating the facts. However, we are only human. He could not find a solution for everybody, as he will tell you, the least you can do is try.

  45. David Avatar
    David

    It would be nice to hear the view of the Father of the politics of inclusion on this action by Lashley. It is amazing how former Prime Minister Owen Arthur has fallen of the radar with such ease.

  46. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    This may well be only the tip of the Iceberg the icebreaker ship of MV mottley is no longer able to break thru and crush the ice that exist.

    The blp camp is not a serious well mannered well intentioned operation but rather one that is driven by its own program of greed and selfishness of the inner circle.

    This is an aspect that Hammy would have been exposed to in his time among the scroundels and crooks.

    They really do not have the slightest care or compassion for the electorate but rather operate on the shallow asumption that if they say we care for you enough times eventually the masses will swallow the lie.

    If you want to get to source of the decision it can be revealed that mottley does not comand the respect of the left overs that fall under here spell, she could not tell Hammy a single word in her time as leader of the opposition, and I dear say she CANNOT speak to a few others that she is supposed to lead, then by extenstion she is incapable to lead the party, her position is a rather disturbed and unsettled place to be, she in a very short period of time been exposed as an excuse of a leader, not even a year on and she is in turmoil and fuelling confusion and breakdowns in the opposition party performance.

    My word of advice is Hammy will not be the only person to jump the sinking ship, they will be more just you wait and see it unfold before your very eyes.

  47. John Avatar
    John

    David // September 11, 2008 at 5:55 pm

    As stated earlier MP Lashley was elected on a party ticket and in our opinion he should resign if he decides to change alliance. We however think that Lashley has his heart in the right place i.e. fighting for oppressed people.
    ++++++++++++++++++++++
    I agree. He should resign.

    Suppose he does and then runs for the DLP, or PEP or as an Independent.

    What will happen?

    His next decision will tell us what sort of person he is.

    That is the crucial one and the one to watch.

  48. John Avatar
    John

    His resignation from the BLP is a statement.

    …. just like his crossing the floor to the BLP.

    I take him to be saying “I’ve tried both and neither is any good.”

    If he was through with politics he would just have resigned, period.

    He has it in his power to really shake up the party system in Barbados.

    Will he?

    If that is his goal, the next few days should be interesting.

    He has made his statement, he doesn’t need to hang around like one would expect of the standard common or ordinary politician.

    There is a bigger one he can make.

    Will he become the souped up version, …. close to the real thing?

    Even if he loses as an Independent, he will have made an indelible mark and leaves with a bang.

    … if he wins though, he becomes a giant.

    How are the parties going to fool around withholding resoures from his constitiuency for spite without looking like a pack of dogs and undermining themselves?

  49. The People's Democratic Congress Avatar
    The People’s Democratic Congress

    Congratulations must go out from the People’s Democratic Congress (PDC) to Mr. Hamilton Lashley for making a very good political decision to resign from the Barbados Labour Party and to continue in the House of Assembly as an Independent member of that chamber.

    Ever since Mr. Lashley would have been elected into the House of Assembly in 1994, as the parliamentary representative for the Constituency of St. Michael South East, many of us who are now members of the People’s Democratic Congress would have been following the very important and sterling social and political contributions of this great Barbadian to the development of the St. Michael South East Constituency and wider afield. From his first contributions to parliamentary debates in the House of Assembly, we clearly saw that he was destined to be a parliamenatarian of note, and one who was about putting esp. poor people first, and NOT self and party first. Later on, though, we would, of course, have understood why he had left the DLP to join the BLP in the late 1990s, since, as he had put it, he wanted to help poor and marginalized people in a substantial way in this country, and therefore – as far as he was concerned – could NOT have done so from the opposition benches but from the government’s benches.

    Thus, we were delighted when he became the first Minister of Social Transformation in this country, and were supportive of him when he was determined to fight the slow moving and paper pushing civil service bureaucracy, on the behalf of some of the most vulnerable within his social and political constituencies, and who would have happened to be those who were in urgent need of care and attention – less much red tape.

    However, we must say that even before his baptism into elective politics, promoting the interests of and improving the lot of the poor, the underprivileged, the marginalized, the youth, the elderly and the disabled in Barbados, would have been the undiluted, unmitigated and untiring focus and strategic outlook of this astute community organizer and this well-decorated fighter for social justice and equality in Barbados. The yeoman efforts of Mr. Lashley within the Pinelands Creative Workshop and the St. Michael South East Community Development Council and other socio-cultural groups in Barbados have also been testimony to the commitment and dedication of this outstanding cultural exponent of the Barbadian working class to the further development of the arts and culture sectors of Barbados.

    On a entirely partisan political note, though, we were saddened when in spite of what we thought was harsh treatment that was meted out to Mr. Lashley by the former Prime Minister of Barbados, Mr. Owen Arthur, when – in reshuffling his Cabinet in 2006, mainly as a way to include Mr. Clyde Mascoll, he had decided NOT to give Mr. Lashley a Ministerial portfolio in the Cabinet reshuffle of 2006, that Mr. Lashley had still taken it upon himself to represent the BLP in the January 2008 general election. But, as we in the PDC and so many other people in Barbados were made to witness at the end of the counting of the ballots in that election, Mr. Lashley – inspite of NOT getting much ELECTORAL support from the BLP – was nevertheless returned to the House of Assembly – for the fourth consecutive time – to represent the people of St. Michael East, whereas the BLP Government was rightfully thrown out of office by the majority of those people who had voted.

    Of importance, too, we must laud the parliamentary representative for St. Michael South East for being among a select group of sitting parliamentarians that have sought to and that have so strongly identified with the Rastafarian Movement in Barbados – the most significant, progressive and popular of all of the Afro-centric social formations in Barbados. For, we the members of the People’s Democratic Congress will for a very long time remember his many statements and actions in support of the Rastafarian Movement in Barbados. And, as recently as July 3 2008, his giving of solid support to the family, friends and associates of the late I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney in their time of bereavement and his calling for an urgent investigation by the Commisioner and the Attorney General into the circumstances of the death of the young bright Rastafarian whilst in the presence of the police at Land Lock, St. Lucy, on June 17, 2008.

    Finally, we wish Mr. Lashley well in his future endeavors in this country and do wish that he will think seriously about the next logical progressive step, i.e, with the Almighty guidance going and eventually helping to form his own serious people-centered national developmentalist political party that, et al, will seek to further the interests of the poor and needy in this country. Long Live the Great Hamilton Lashley!!Almighty Bless!!

    PDC

  50. The scout Avatar
    The scout

    Somehow we tend to forget that Hammie didn’t beat Undine by no large amount. If what I’m hearing isthat he is not seen as a real “party” man, then the unpopularity of the BLP would not have affected him. This was not shown in the polls. Secondly, there is no way the DLP would run him ahead of Undine in the next election whether by-election or general. In short Hammie just dug his own grave. He rode his luck andit has ran out. The P.M would now use him like a pawn on a chess board and then allow him to be eaten by the opposition when no longer needed.

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