It is instructive that political pollster Peter Wickham has not bothered to conduct a poll in St. John. One does not need any political acumen to understand why, St. John is a DLP safe seat and the discussion has turned to how many votes will Mara gather.

What the campaign will be remembered for by many, including BU, is that rum shop politics is alive and well in Barbados. Both political parties should feel they have contributed. The Barbados Labour Party’s (BLP) use of a ‘shock strategy’ according to Dr George Belle by attacking the DLP’s candidate nationality, was not well received by Barbadians. It also did not impress some regional commentators and is the issue which remains top of mind for many. Minister Chris Sinckler disparaging reference to former Minister Lynette Eastmond’s husband, Prime Minister Stuart’s reference to former Prime Minister Arthur as a rat and on and on we could mention.

At a time when the Barbados economy continues to battle a global economic storm, Barbadians have had to tolerate the drivel emanating from both political platforms in St. John. The excuse given that Barbadians look forward to the invective and vitriol being spewed as part of our culture  of ‘politiking’ is unacceptable given the dire social and economic challenges confronting our country. Another opportunity to demonstrate leadership not grasped by our political leaders.

The government has had to suffer the distraction of an ailing Prime Minister who eventually died in office while still a young man. The combination of the Yuletide season and by-election campaign activities has added to the belief that the Barbados government has had little time in recent months to lead at a time we can ill-afford not to have it. To top it off we have a Prime Minister who has had to assume the job with no time to enjoy a honeymoon period.

We hope the by-election will be incident free and the government and opposition settle down quickly to the business of governing the country.