Submitted by Yardbroom
Irrespective of political allegiance, it cannot reasonably be denied, that there is a large body of support in Barbados, especially in St John, for our late Prime Minister David Thompson. I am not suggesting this support is total, as that is most unlikely, or it is deserved or not. Neither am I insinuating he is being deified or should be. My stated position is based on a reality that exist, which should be obvious, regardless of party association. If that support is deserved can be debated, but the purpose of this submission is to look forward to the St John bye-election, rather than look back in the past.
It is not an unreasonable question to ask, why mention David Thompson? Mara Thompson the proposed DLP candidate, is the widow of David Thompson and at times they canvassed the constituency of St John together, and it was not unknown for her to make personal appearances on his behalf, when he was canvassing in other constituencies. The background and circumstances of their political linkage, apart from a marriage bond, suggest togetherness. It is not unreasonable therefore – in context – for him to be mentioned.
Mara Thompson has support in the Parish, evidenced by the vocal public demonstrations for her, however to singularly enter the political ring, could present problems. These I will address, but I am sure that those responsible for strategy in the DLP would have – or should have – brought those risks to her attention.
As the widow of a much loved Prime Minister, with a loving family, she is almost untouchable. The circumstances of his death at a relatively early age, and the public outpouring of grief added to public sympathy. However, as a candidate in a bye-election the situation changes. You may ask, why? In a democracy candidates are expected to “contest” a vacant seat. That means struggle, battle, fight and there will obviously be conflict and disputes. Providing they are legal, and are not seen as malicious or in poor taste- that is the political arena.
The authority and power allegiances, that were transferred through David Thompson to Mara Thompson, will no longer be there.
It is true DLP stalwarts will rally round, so will others, but in times of discomfort, a knowing “like mind” to discuss personal issues, as in the past, will not be there.. . . that is something only Mara Thompson will know of. Does that mean she should not contest the seat? No! it does not. She has as much right as anyone else, and perhaps more than some. . . this is just a balanced exposition of reality.
Although not seeking office, Owen Arthur and Mia Mottley’s shadows will loom over the event in various ways. Arthur, in seeing how he orchestrates the campaign, and when and how he plays his trump card. What it is, I do not know, but it would be silly to think an experienced politician like Owen Arthur has not seen a weakness, which he hopes to exploit. It is how and when he utilizes it, which will determine if it is not counter-productive.
Mia Mottley is in the enviable position of having to do nothing, naturally support the BLP candidate, which is expected, but be circumspect in her utterances, nothing contentious as if to say: you wanted the crown, now wear it.
Hudson Griffith the BLP candidate is alleged to have put his name forward to contest the seat. Although superficially it might appear so, it is not a lost cause, for his political future. His success will be measured, in how he conducts his personal campaign, and the markers he can put down for subsequent operations, with the obvious exposure garnered.
Prime Minister Freundel Stewart Stuart will be watched, this will be his first foray into the red hot furnace of an election, as leader, and most importantly Prime Minister. He should use this opportunity as a dress rehearsal, for a much bigger battle later. He can make a few mistakes now, but later in the General Election those will not be easily forgiven. He must find the “language” to broaden his base support, and reach out to sections of the electorate, who feel marginalised and neglected. . . it can be done.
This bye-election in St John will see a positioning of individuals, despite there being an immediate battle; the pieces are being marked and put in place for the next general election. Is there still enough tactical awareness and robust stomach for a fight in Owen Arthur? Can Prime Minister Stewart direct his troops, coalesce them into an impregnable fighting “unit” and broaden his personal support base. Those are the important questions that will be asked in this bye-election, for although the papers will be marked St John; I am in no doubt the prize being fought for is much greater.
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