Many Barbadians believe in the world of local politics Opposition Leader Owen Arthur stands head and shoulders above the rest as the master tactician. The fracture which runs deep in the relationship between Arthur and Mia Mottley achieved by forging an unexpected relationship with George Payne is a classic example.
One characteristic of Arthur’s style of politics which he repeatedly used to good effect during his tenure as Prime Minister was the ‘flying a kite’ strategy. It was his way of measuring public opinion before taking a decision, usually unpopular ones. Making former Minister Anthony Wood look silly in the eyes of the public over a promise to increase bus fares comes to mind.
How Arthur intends to lead a party perceived by the electorate to be a united group remains the topic of conversation among ordinary Barbadians and pundits alike. With a general election constitutionally due in just over one year, time is rapidly running out for Arthur to right the BLP ship. Some believe the good reputation Arthur earned as Prime Minister during a global economic boom made all the difference. How Arthur manages the challenges created by Opposition politics is left to be seen?
A subplot to the BLP political story was recently created when Arthur shared the view that “Barbados and the Barbados Labour Party need economist Clyde Mascoll in the House of Assembly and involved in the management of the economy.” The immediate query which Arthur’s desire raised was how will he get it done; a safe seat is required. Word making the political cart roads up to last week indicated pressure was being placed on the ailing St. James North BLP incumbent Rawle Eastmond to step aside. Unfortunately for Arthur Eastmond has jettison that idea by endorsing Edmund Hinkson and took a couple pot shots at Mascoll when he articulated the qualities an aspiring member of parliament should possess.
BU understands that there was a meeting held last week at the Brown Sugar Restaurant between Arthur and Gline Clarke, Member of Parliament for St. George North, to request him to stand down from running in the upcoming general election. The opportunity for Arthur to possibly insert Mascoll in the BLP slate of candidates was created when Gline Clarke offended the sensibilities of many White Barbadians when he uttered a statement considered racist and insensitive. It seems Gline Clarke has become expendable in the interest of preserving the image of the BLP and to prevent the issue of racism from becoming a campaign issue.
BU believes the next general election given the cohobblopot of issues at play will make for one of the most intriguing since Independence.
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