For fourteen long years Democratic Labour Party Parliamentarians “stewed” in Opposition, never once flinching in their commitment and determination to advance the interest of Barbadians.Even in its darkest period, when the seat count went to two out of 29, the voice of the DLP remained strong and forceful. David Thompson and Dennis Kellman must be commended for remaining focused and staying the course during very difficult and challenging times.

Even then, it must be remembered, that personal and professional relations between the two were not at their strongest, but yet, they never reneged on the promises and commitments they made, first to their party and constituents and second, to the people of Barbados. Individuals like Freundel Stuart, Dr. Dennis Lowe, Christopher Sinckler, John Boyce, Patrick Todd, Steve Blackett and George Hutson took a hammering at the hands of the electorate and were roundly rejected, in most instances twice, before finally being elected. Yet, they never flinched, because their motivation was to serve and their cause was honourable.

Knowing some of those individuals, had they even lost in their attempt to win a seat or had the DLP not been successful in its fourth attempt to wrestle the government from the Barbados Labour Party in the last elections, those personalities would still be out there today sloughing away, because, for them, politics is about people and it is about service to one’s country. I guess that’s part of the imbedded culture of the DLP, handed down by its late revered leader, the Rt. Excellent Errol Walton Barrow.

Dennis Kellman, in particular, is a case worthy of study. Even after three terms of ‘lonesomeness’ on opposition benches, he has not waivered, even though he does not have a seat in the Cabinet of ministers. Indeed, Kellman is more focused and energized now than ever, and is continuing to carry the fight for and on behalf of the people of St. Lucy.

I spoke earlier of cultures and it is important at this point to recognize the contrasting cultures of the two main, indeed the two political parties in Barbados. On the one hand there is the DLP which had been in opposition for 14 years and with several two and three time losers persisting, never dogged in any way by the personal financial, family and other sacrifices they were making. Many of them were young and with relatively new families and all that are associated with that. Yet, they were unflinching. They paid their dues, kept their constituency branches alive and attended to the individual and community needs of constituents as if they were being paid by the State to so do.

On the other hand, ever since January 15^, 2008 all this country has heard from the new opposition benches in Parliament is bellyaching and threats by some to sail off into the political sunset. There is now also the craze by some to get a head start on being elected. This country is grappling with the most serious economic challenge experienced by 95 per cent of its population and all the Barbados Labour Party is contributing to the national effort is its repeated desire to get back into office in record time.

First, there is the nine elected Members of Parliament. One has still not gotten over the fact that he is no longer in charge. He goes to Parliament when he likes for as long as he likes and speaks only when he chooses and on what he chooses. His last three interventions in Parliament focused on driving fear into the hearts of Barbadians, that because of their decision to end his reign as leader, the economy would crumble and the country collapse. But, of particular significance is the fact that when he was invited to be a part of a focused effort at influencing the process of recovery, he brashly declined. Clearly the message here is that if he is not in charge then to hell with it all.

Then of the nine, there are two who physically are not able to tarry much longer but who have bought into the idea of a possible unprecedented win at the next polls and who do not wish to be left out in the cold, if the opportunity to “get back in power” arises. So, they have stopped short of stepping down or announcing their intention to so do. There is another who was hardly seen during most of the 14 years in opposition, but who is encouraged by the notion of there being a likely opening at the top, as a result of the failure of the incumbent leader to inspire and impress.

Another long serving member is as relevant today as she was 30 years ago as a constituency aide to a former Prime Minister. Though many believe that member should step aside and permit new talent to emerge, she obstinately remains, fully determined to show off hats, bags and dresses at each available opportunity.

Now we have another gold spoon fed individual, who has one foot in and one foot out of Parliament, and who, it is reported, has hinged his decision to run again on the fortunes of a new business venture. Voters of Barbados, it definitely does not get worse than that! You walked the streets of your constituency, telling the people how much you loved and cared for them, and now because your party did not win the election you are going to jet away in search of greener financial pastures. So was your involvement all along about the money? What has remaining in Parliament to do with business deals? Didn’t Dennis Kellman have a business to look after as well? Didn’t David Thompson have a law practice to build and sustain? Didn’t Patrick Todd have an illustrious teaching career? From when is one’s continued service to the people dependent on the fortunes of a new business venture?

I almost said this was unheard of, but then I recalled a now historic presentation in Parliament in which an individual literally cried on national television, stating that he could not continue in politics because it was taking too heavy a toll on his personal finances. The precedence was set back then!

Next week we shall examine another aspect of this unfolding drama.

Hartley Henry is a Regional Political Strategist. He can be reached at hartleyhenry@gmail.com