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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. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    JC // October 3, 2008 at 1:07 pm

    Adrian you know I respect your opinions; however something smells strange! He has to convince me he is sincere! right now I don’t see that sincerity! If in time to come he proves to me his worth of salt I will apologize bur for right now I see a parasite!
    ===========================

    Thanks JC, that’s a fair position to take. As i said on September 11, 2008 at 1:05 pm in this same thread, The DLP has indeed reach out to Hammie, I believe, primarily because he is seen first and foremost as the representative of real people (there is some politics in it too):) . What is yet to be seen, is in the next election. An independent Hammie should he run as such, should not expect and rightly so, any help from the DLP, they should field their own candidate and actively canvass for the hearts and minds of the residents in that constituency. There is nothing wrong with this, and if the DLP should retain the government but lose to Hammie the independent, the DLP should once again demonstrate the maturity that have done this week and include him or any member of parliament who can put aside partisanship in the interest of their constituents, and the country. This is what a mature Barbados should demand and expect, and quite frankly it is what parliament since 1966 has been mandated to do but have never been practice. This current government has show a level of maturity in the way they reacted to what is could be the beginning of a process that weakens both establish parties, but nevertheless strengthen democracy in Barbados. We should all celebrate this move.

  2. tstt Avatar
    tstt

    why should hammie have to resign? he is nothing more than an drug addict going where ever he can find money to get his next vial of crack.

    It is David Thompson, who is perpetuating this politics of inclusion, that should be kicked out of office.

  3. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    TSTT:
    The term politics of inclusion firmly belongs to Owen Arthur, it is not even a BLP invention. One consistent theme of the Owen Arthur politics of inclusion is that the recipient had to demonstrate “LOYALTY” and the consistent way in which most it not all recipients demostrated such,was to resigned membership of whatever party and applied for membership to the BLP. Even Neval Greenidge, a former cop, insurance agent, and DLP candidate and member, i believed had to do this just to secure a pick in Canada with either the Barbados consul in Ottawa or with the BTA canadian office.

    ….The record shows that while Hammie Lah left the BLP he did not join any other party and is still an independent in parliament.

    OR DID I MISS SOMETHING?

  4. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    ….The record shows that while Hammie Lah left the BLP he did not join any other party and is still an independent in parliament.
    ………………………………………………………
    Adrian. Come on, do you feel that people are idiots. What nonsense you talking about that Hammie is an Independent. Hammie is now a D plan an simple, he is one of the said ‘inclusion’ grasshopper that you Adrian cried down during the Arthur administration. He is now of the kins of grasshoppers just like Mascoll, Prescod and Symmonds that you Adrian cried down. Let’s face facts Adrian, it seems that partisan politics allows people like you to be deceptive to your countryman. We as a people must be fair in our accusation since you don’t pelt rocks when you have glass houses.

    I leave you with this one Adrian
    “Hold de light fuh de devil tuh sih, and when yuh get a chance, blow it out in ‘e’ face” Ho Ho Ho Stupes!

  5. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    No Tell me Why, you will not leave me with anything. Either stay and debate or take along whatever it is you had intend to leave with me. 🙂

    Whether or not Hammie is now a Dee is provable, and the burden of providing that proof is on you since you would have me believe otherwise.

    There was no mistaking the party switch which Mascoll, Prescod, and Symmonds made, and i will assume that by mentioning these folks in the manner that you did suggest that you judged Hammie by the same critieria, again where is your proof? If um is so i will say so until then, fuh me he is an INDEPENDENT. 🙂

  6. BABAFP Avatar
    BABAFP

    Hammie does not practise opposition politics!

  7. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    Either stay and debate
    ………………………………………………………
    I have no intention of easing up on any debate regarding double standard due to partisan politics. I have great respect for your intellect unlike certain party bloggers, but I must say that I am disappointed in you failing to see a master move by Hammie. Remember Hammie resigned from the DLP in 1994 after the defeat of the BLP. Now in 2008, again he resigned from the BLP. Is he afraid of Opposition politics? Is he afraid from coming from the back and winning? Is he fascinated with the limelight that he must shift to the winning side?

    As man, these are the questions you can debate Adrian.

  8. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    I believe that history will judge Hammie by how he plays his hand. I believe that Hammie has gained tremendous experience playing on both sides and now has that experience to play down the straight and narrow.

    Opportunist and parasite are terms for the short-sighted; those who only see the here and now, but I think that Adrian has shown us how to deal with the here and now, because at any point in time when you are unable to judge, the best course is to take the facts at face value.

    Of course this would presume that you understand the factors and their implications. There is not a politician who could not be described as an opportunist. The very nature of the game is opportunism. When one party goes out there cussing the other, it is only to gain the opportunity to win Government.

    A, Prime Minister is always mindful that there are others competing for that job and that any member of his party, if given the opportunity, would oust him to become the Prime Minister. So while a party may look stable, all that is mere posturing because they know that if they do not settle their leadership none stand a chance.

    At least, the party that best looks as if it’s ready is the party that will win. The best example I have seen so far when it comes to opportunity was Sonny Mitchell of St. Vincent. He became Prime Minister not only by holding the balance of power but by understanding how to use it.

    The truth is that I have not seen any politician in Barbados for a long time, who was able to use political advantage as Hammie has done. Just that he don’t have a doctorate behind his name, some would want to assert that he is a grasshopper, but if it was different, he might well be known as a shrewd and bright politician.

    Contrary to popular belief, Hammie has no political advisors, he is moving on his own steam and do not think for one moment that he is not bright or that he does not see clearly because you would be quite wrong or deceived by your own biases.

  9. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    Opportunist and parasite are terms for the short-sighted; those who only see the here and now,
    ……………………………………………………….
    ROK, Oh Dat is pure “rock” that is soft like limestone, the more I read your post, the faster the decay of your logic.

    You use the word “opportunist” in your summation regarding Hammie gaining more experience but that simply mean he is “(taking immediate advantage, often unethically, of any circumstance of possible benefit). That is why he has been deemed as a “grasshopper”, up he goes and down he comes right in the heart of Government.

    Using the word parasite shows that being a ‘Grasshopper’ his action definitely speaks for itself, since a parasite is (a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage). He can be termed a ‘leech’ or a ‘sponger. His action is the worst form of “political opportunism’ than I have ever encountered in post political politics. With that ROK, you must wheel and come again. The man simply loves a podium, a microphone and cameras focusing on him. He is simply a “Limelight politician”. Here endeth my post on the ‘well trained grasshopper’.

  10. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    ROK and Adrian. I bet if the DLP lose the next election, Hamilton Lashley will retire from Politics. By the way, was Mr Lashley really sick or he was playing just playing ‘wolf’ for empathy.

  11. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    @ Tell my Why
    When you face up to the reality of political partisanship and victimization in Barbados, then you may gain some clarity in understanding Hammie’s moves over the years. His actions over the years re. Switching sides wasn’t the result of some thought out master plan, it was a simple understanding of politics in Barbados and a determination to at all cost carry out his promise to the people who continues to elect him. It was no small coincidence that Thompson said Hammie will not “starve”. Lionel Craig’s “Let them starve” comment although not directed at Hammie or his constituency never the less underscores the kind of politics that is practice in Barbados, particularly by the BLP. Hammie understood this and stood willing to yes prostitute himself for the sake of the people he represents. The poster who made the analogy of Hammie as an unwilling prostitute who enters the profession for the sake of her children, is very accurate, and while the poster made this observation and linkage to disparage Hammie, to my mind they did far more than that. It is an indictment on the institution of government in Barbados and its practitioners, the political class. We have seen how grassroots politicians have been treated in today’s Barbados by both parties. At one point their (grassroots politicians) assumed death was been celebrated by Owen Arthur, which in essence meant that the voice of the people was being silence once and for all. There were very mistaken. This rush celebration of the demise of the grassroots politician was also the ushering in of the professional or skilled politicians, persons with skills, crafts, and qualifications that as Owen Arthur wanted us to believe are better suited to manage Barbados in a globalize environment. It meant that the citizens of Barbados were to continue to put their local needs on hold this time in perpetuity, in the interest of the national good and needs. It meant that the inefficiencies of the systems was to be born by all constituencies where in the past only the constituency that had the prime Minster as their representative suffered. Well the Grassroots politicians are still with us, with a fresh new guard of grassroots apprentice in training and the professional politicians like Kerry Simmonds and Rudy Grant are still on the outside looking in. The people have spoken.

    No one that curse and talk down to Barbadians as much as Owen Arthur has done should ever be considered a great statesman, by the same people.

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

    Here are some 11 reasons why the BLP must be kicked out of Parliament at the Next Election:

    1) For its doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING – esp. in the last three years of its having been at the helm of the goverment – to reduce this raging rampant skyrocketing cost of living and this alarmingly high cost of doing business in Barbados that it very much helped to cause; and which are circumstances that are continuing to make life a living hell hole for the masses and middle classes of people of the country;

    2) For its excessively borrowing – during the time of the Arthur Administrations – on the local and international capital markets to the point whereby the Government Debt of this country would have moved from a worrying BDS $ 2,485 Billion in 1994, to a staggering BDS $ 4, 981 Billion at the end of 2006, which, as it continues upwards at this stage, does have serious implications for the financial integrity and intenational creditworthiness of the country;

    3) For the disgusting levels of squandermania that took place during the Arthur Administrations – such as, that that took place on the GEMS Project, the Greenland Landfill, EDUTECH, the Kensington Oval Redevelopment Project, the Hardwood Housing Factory Scandal, etc.

    4) For its tremendously obscenely increasing – during the the time of the Arthur Administrations – the extent of thieving murderous TAXATION on the backs of the masses and middle classes of people of this country, from a wicked damning BDS $ 979 Million in 1994, to an evil mind blowing BDS $ 2,066 Million at the end of 2006 – pure stealing and robbing of the relevant portions of the incomes of the relevant people, businesses and other entities in this country;

    5) For stupidly sickeningly allowing and, at some times, helping to cause – again, during the Arthur Administrations – more and more of our land spaces to be sold to foreigners esp at times when thousands upon thousands of land hungry Barbadians have been needing land spaces to call their own;

    6) For grossly recklessly uncaringly allowing and, at some times , helping to cause – during the last BLP Administrations – the cost of land and housing – to dangerously skyrocket out of the reaches of the average Barbadian;

    7) For making many false and worthless promises during the Arthur Administrations – like a promise to make Barbados a republic by abolishing the status of Barbados being a constitutional monarchy, through the installing of a local Head of State; and, like to create a referendum for the voters to decide on those particular issues;

    8) For its continuing – under the present Mottley leadership – to provide ineffectual and lacklustre leadership on national issues related to the fact that Barbados is presently in recession and therefore that its needs to have provided the best social, political, financial and other strategies to help it come out of that and to go forward further into the 21 st Century – some which it is starkly failing to do;

    9) For its continuing – under this present Mottley leadership – to prove that when it was at the helm of the affairs of this country under the Prime Ministership of Mr. Owen Arthur, it did bring to this country horrendous levels of national and sectoral destruction and havoc in so many areas and which if it were to ever regain management of the affairs of country that it will bring more to the country – For instance, it presently accuses the other joke parliamentary party – the DLP, of, yes, demonically (our words ) seeking to raise over $ 100 milion in one swoop in regard of the recent July Budgetary measures, yet in 1997/8 the EVIL VAT system robbed the people in Barbados of almost BDS $ 500 Million. Hypocritical, hypocritical, indeed!! The truth is that the VAT HAS BEEN HELPING TO MASSIVELY KILL OFF MUCH OF OUR INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE IN BARBADOS;

    10) The BLP continues to be a very elitist party and one that has long made sure that the vast majority of the masses and middle classes are as much as possible oppressed and suppressed in the interest of the elite in this country – this juncture must be seen as the juncture of the masses and middle classes of this country and because the BLP, like the DLP too, does NOT want this, it must be NEVER able to again regain office in this country, because the vast majority of masses and middle classes of people do NOT wish for any more destruction and havoc in the country in the interest of the elite; and,

    11) The BLP is a party that has been selling out the interests of the country to international capitalists and imperialists on a great scale – to help stop this inimical trend and restore our country to immediate post-independence national glory and prestige, the BLP must be made into a thing of the past.

    Note – statistics extrapolated from the Annual Statistical Digest 2007 of the Central Bank of Barbados.

    PDC

  13. I Amnomouse Avatar
    I Amnomouse

    People pretend not to know, that in order for a representative to get results for his constituents, he must be on the team of the winning party and not just be a member of the winning party. Hammie Lah knows and understands this. He is the only one who takes representation of his constituency literally. Kelly would be like Hammie if not for his ambitions and ego.
    Hammie has no ambitons of becoming PM, so any PM who wants to give the impression that they have the interest of the masses at heart, will seek to associate with him in any way possible. We need more representatives and less politicans. The elitist will have a problem with that but the masses won’t.

  14. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    Dear PDC. Please contact Hoadie and let him show you how to write precise articles of substance. Your post lacks logic.

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