De Peiza versus Hewitt – (D)LP for Democratic

The annual conference of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is scheduled to be held from 18th to 22nd of August 2021. Although political parties are technically private clubs, parochial decisions taken have national ramifications. In this instance the establishment and incumbent President of the DLP Verla De peiza will be challenged by newcomer Reverend Guy Hewitt IF all things remain the same.

The blogmaster is confident the establishment candidate will win the contest. Neither of the two main political party have shown an appetite over the years to embrace a ‘rock the boat’ approach to doing its business. Although Hewitt is a political neophyte compared to De peiza, his entry to the political space in a short three months has spurred a hitherto lethargic DLP into unaccustomed activity. For more than a decade the DLP has developed a slow to respond culture, inherited from the leadership styles of former leader of the party Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and carried on by incumbent Verla De peiza.

It is unfortunate with 2023 quickly approaching and the possibility of an early bell, the DLP has to be distracted by a leadership challenge. DLPites will explain the situation playing out between De peiza and Hewitt by saying the DLP manages its affairs democratically and the party will be stronger for it. The blogmaster begs to differ. A strong leader must be able to command the respect and support of a political party at this stage of the election cycle.

The blogmaster watched the video of the combined DLP St. Phillip branch meeting held last week at which challenger Guy Hewitt delivered a ‘çall to arms’ speech. Even more interesting, he commanded the public endorsement of former ministers Ronald Jones and John Boyce as well as former member of parliament James Paul. Whether the public supports these three from the old guard or not, one suspects there is residual support within the bowels of the DLP for them. Added to which, former member of parliament representing St. Lucy Denis Kellman continues to withhold his endorsement for De peiza who is the DLP candidate selected to run in his former constituency. 

All credit to Guy Hewitt who appears willing to fall in line should he lose the election. Unfortunately it will not erase doubts expressed about De Peiza’s ability to inspire a lacklustre DLP to win against the marauding political personage of Mia Mottley. All things considered the DLP can do no worse if Hewitt is selected to contest a Christ Church riding.

If anything is to be deduced from the unprecedented shellacking of the DLP in the 2018 general election, it is Barbadians have become impatient with the game the duopoly plays perennially of winning by default. We want the kind of representation from political parties willing to hold themselves accountable to the the citizenry. Regrettably a third party is not an option.

215 thoughts on “De Peiza versus Hewitt – (D)LP for Democratic


  1. @ David

    If you judge them by what they have been saying recently, prominent members of the ‘old guard’ seem to be endorsing Guy.
    Take Hammie Lah for example. He went ‘all around the world’ to say Verla is not the appropriate person to lead the DLP into the next general election.

    If the resident yard-fowls believe they can control the narrative on BU that all discussions must be focused on what they want to discuss, then they’re in for a ‘big surprise.’

    Verla, Guy, et al, presented themselves to Barbadians as the ‘ALTERNATIVE GOVERNMENT’ in waiting. Yet, so far, they haven’t given us any alternative socioeconomic policies or solutions to the problems we’re currently facing.
    Instead, what we’re hearing from them are frivolous, childish criticisms, such as the PM going on vacation, while the yard-fowls continue to seek ‘political mileage’ of her recent photograph.


  2. Verla and Guy has made serious discussions about the weakness in this economy and govt mishandling
    Yet one. resident BU yardfowl states differently in effort to find baseless criticisms of the two contenders via for party leadership
    Also one cannot forget that Mia has many weaknesses which has been exposed and which would be used against her going into the next election


  3. What lie
    Have seen Depezia on social media via fb live forums and local media platforms discussing the economy
    The same can be said for Hewitt


    • This is exactly why she is being criticized by DLP stalwarts and Guy Hewitt. She is happy to operate in the social media bubble. This is how Hewitt has exposed her flank. Hewitt has been on the radio, writing articles in the press, advertising on Instagram etc. he forced DePeiza to come out her comfort zone.


  4. “Have seen Depezia on social media via fb live forums and local media platforms discussing the economy and
    The same can be said for Hewitt.”

    It is a KNOWN FACT you DO NOT HESITATE in POSTING opinions or videos from Youtube or Facebook, you believe reflect negatively on Mia Mottley and the BLP.

    POST THE VIDEOS TO BU.


  5. For your info
    U can visit the dlp fb website and don’t say u are not on fb
    Many of your comments give evidence that u are on fb
    Hewitt is on u tube u can go and take a look for yourself


  6. Towards a one term BLP regime
    In medicine, the notion of genetic predisposition or genetic susceptibility refers to the increased likelihood of developing a particular disease based on one’s genes.
    Research has identified genetic triggers for several major diseases including coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain types of cancer.
    As someone trained in political sociology, I am interested in whether persons could be genetically predisposed (or susceptible) to certain types of political behaviours, including despotism.
    What is a despot? A despot is a leader who wields absolute power and authority.
    Despots can be found in families, sports teams, social clubs, and even religious groups. Colloquially, the word despot applies to those who use their power and authority to ensure their desired outcomes are realised.
    In the publication, “Beyond the Bridge: a series of lectures to commemorate the 375th anniversary of Bridgetown”, there is an article by Sir Richard ‘Johnny’ Cheltenham titled ‘Mottley and the City’ which focused on Ernest Deighton Mottley, the former mayor of Bridgetown and the current Prime Minister’s grandfather.
    Sir Richard notes that in 1963, a “Dr Richard Jackson was appointed the sole Commissioner to enquire into the working of all aspects of the Local Government Councils on the island…” He wrote, “Dr Jackson was critical of the administration of many of the services performed by the Councils. He felt that the services were run with neither efficiency nor economy. He was of the opinion that, in some cases, interference in the administration of the services by elected members was responsible for the inefficiency.
    “In what could only be regarded as a dig at [ED] Mottley himself, he wrote that ‘the object of Local Government is defeated if it becomes a one man show’. He recommended that various services be centralised and left to Government the decision whether the system should be abolished.”


  7. @ David August 20, 2021 1:31 PM

    I’m sure you remember me expressing a similar view as well.

    PM has come under criticism for taking a vacation “during a health crisis.”

    Recall, last year……… during the SAME “health crisis,” the PM took medical leave from office after undergoing surgery.
    Perhaps DePieza and the DLP’s ‘resident foot soldier’ on BU, would have preferred if she had waited until the crisis was over to schedule the operation.

    Also recall, on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, Mottley went into mourning following the death of her brother, Warren, whom she described as her ‘twin.’
    Under those unfortunate circumstances, and taking into consideration the relationship she had with her brother, Mottley REMAINED in office DURING the SAME “health crisis,”……….. even AFTER Warren’s burial, on Friday, July 16, 2021 and until she took vacation on Friday, July 30, 2021.

    Let’s be FAIR and REASONABLE.

    What are the significant differences between Mottley taking bereavement or vacation leave FOLLOWING her brother’s death and burial…………. or taking such leave AFTER?

    Also, isn’t the PM entitled to rest similarly to any other human being?


  8. angela cox August 20, 2021 2:01 PM

    RE: “U can visit the dlp fb website and don’t say u are not on fb.”

    NO, I will not!!!!

    You made the claim. Therefore, the onus is on YOU to provide BU with the information.

    RE: “Many of your comments give evidence that u are on fb.”

    NO, I AM NOT!!! You’re MAKING an ASSUMPTION. And, I’m putting it to you that you CANNOT present any of my “comments as evidence that I’m on fb.”

    But, without even noticing, you have essentially admitted to using ‘Facebook’ as your main source of information.

    After all, you’re the one who is ALWAYS posting comments and videos from that social media platform.

    Bearing this in mind, I’m sure you recall me mentioning that you’re often unable to develop or explain the arguments you present to this forum, which clearly SUGGESTS they are not your original thoughts, but PROBABLY a regurgitation of what you read on social media.

    I’ve also read comments in which you ‘said’ your fan club’s chairman is also present on a FB page you follow and from which posted one of his contributions to BU or made references. For example, his criticisms of Mottley are couched in specific jargon.
    Upon reading your criticisms of Mottley, it is obvious you use his thoughts as a basis to construct your comments, while switching around or adding a few words to give the impression of originality.

    As such, using the evidence you continually provide, one does not have to be “on fb” to make certain observations and form a conclusion.


  9. ArtaxAugust 20, 2021 4:05 PM

    angela cox August 20, 2021 2:01 PM

    RE: “U can visit the dlp fb website and don’t say u are not on fb.”

    NO, I will not!!!!

    You made the claim. Therefore, the onus is on YOU to provide BU with the information

    Xxxxxxccx
    My memory serves me correct to say that u made a comment in reference to a fb profile pic of mine
    Xxxxxxx
    But then again I expect u to deny you having a fb page


  10. (Quote):
    Despots can be found in families, sports teams, social clubs, and even religious groups. Colloquially, the word despot applies to those who use their power and authority to ensure their desired outcomes are realised. (Unquote).
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    This might be simply adding a layer of credence to the late Owen ‘Seetru’ Arthur’s perception while peeping into the Bajan political crystal ball of a real prime ministerial dictatorship.

    Maybe the very ambitious Reverend Guy, being a man of the real red cloth, has his own well-informed political crystal ball lent to him by Apep and has perceived the image of a physically-wounded ‘she-male’ leader of the politically red pack.

    He certainly fancies his chances of not merely replacing the sitting red Bishop in the HoA but, actually, to replace the budding despot of the coming republic.

    The maverick man of the cloth should always ponder on the fate of his English predecessors like Thomas a Becket and Cardinal Wolsey who tried to ‘usurp’ the despotic tendencies of those whose heads wear the real political Crown.

    For it is clearly written in his own good book of religious instruction to:
    “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s”.


  11. “My memory serves me correct to say that u made a comment in reference to a fb profile pic of mine.”

    Come on, my friend.

    Although you must “join ‘Facebook’ to connect with friends and other you may know,” it is not necessary requirement if you want to view members with a particular name.

    However, “my memory also serves me correct to say that”, some time ago, you posted a link from that social media site to BU that included a comment from an ‘Angela Cox,’ and the individual in the profile photo wore what appeared to be a ‘weave.’

    Having read on BU that you wear a ‘weave,’ I assumed the individual was you. Hence, my reference to the profile photo.

    Are you admitting that particular ‘Angela Cox’ on ‘Facebook’ is you?

    If it is, yuh ent a ‘bad looking chick.’ Perhaps we could hook up for a dinner date and talk about anything EXCEPT politics.

    Hahahahaha…..


  12. De Peiza, Hewitt upbeat as vote begins
    With the highly anticipated elections in the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) getting under way yesterday, both presidential contenders Verla De Peiza and Reverend Guy Hewitt are optimistic about their chances of leading the party for the next year.
    Yesterday, both candidates were present at the DLP’s George Street, St Michael headquarters to observe the process.
    De Peiza, the incumbent, told the Saturday Sun that even though she was expecting to be victorious when the results are announced tomorrow, she is prepared to accept the will of the people, even if it is not in her favour.
    However, referencing her defeat of the more politically experienced George Pilgrim last year, the attorney said she had seen nothing to suggest she would not overcome her second challenge for the party leadership in as many years.
    She added that she saw the challenge as part of the democratic process of the party and a good dry run for the next General Election constitutionally due in 2023.
    “This is the tried and true part of the process and I have all faith in the process. The members would do what the members think is in the best interest of the party and I am prepared to live with the outcome.
    “As far as I am concerned, competition is always healthy once you behave yourself well during the competition and there is sportsmanship and not gamesmanship.
    No change in plans
    “So I don’t have any difficulty with being challenged. I have my plans for the future and they have not changed and we will carry on seamlessly after this process,” said De Peiza.
    “The political process is one of competitiveness, so this really is a precursor of what is to come in the real fight. Last year was a more seasoned campaigner who had a record in the party and I saw him off handily, and I have no doubt that the result will be quite the same this time around.”
    Hewitt said he was hoping for a large turnout and was quite happy with the smooth start.
    “Everything seems to be organised at the start of the elections. I am looking forward to a large turnout and I think it is going to be really great for the Democratic Labour Party. The level of national interest that has been paid in these elections is also a good sign . . . . I am committed to the cause and I am up to the task,” said the former Barbados High Commissioner to London.
    The Anglican priest made it clear that should he fail to reach the mark when the votes were tallied, the party would continue to enjoy his support.
    “I will wait on the outcome and afterwards I will reflect on how we move forward, but I remain committed to the Democratic Labour Party. It has always had my support and it will continue to have it into the far future,” he said.
    Voting began promptly at 10 a.m., but such was the enthusiasm of the base that a long line was already forming outside of the polling area an hour before.
    Full COVID-19 protocols were in effect, but this did not hamper the relatively smooth flow of the process.
    Among the well-known Dems spotted turning up to vote were former deputy prime minister Sir Phillip Greaves, and former ministers Ronald Jones, Stephen Lashley and Hamilton Lashley. Party stalwart Dame Maizie Barker-Welch as well as former backbencher James Paul were also in attendance. (CLM)

    Source: Nation


  13. Angela Cox Ms Mottley is entitled to a vacation like anybody else.Therefore you are talking shite as usual.I heard Mr Abrahams stating Ms Mottley will address the nation shortly what is your hurry?.Meanwhile i hear your dems like the taxi man and Ms Decided supporting Rev Hewitt while Mr P and Alvin seem to support Ms Depeiza.A clear divide in the dems .Which one do you AC ? In my view it makes little difference in the opinions of Mr Henry, Mr Wickham or Dr Belle based on what they stated on the cbc program the other night.Of course the dem Ms Holder saw it differently.Speaking of cbc i wonder what happen to the admiral on the talk show? Ihave not heard him since he brass up ms decided some time ago.I miss his input since Ms Skeete is a little too laid back for me.


  14. Lorenzo
    Don’t u have nothing to do with your time
    The people have a choice
    BTW don’t forget how OSA lambast Mia with words like despot and megolmanic
    Yet to here such disparaging remarks coming from the mouths of Hewitt or Verla towards each other
    BTW what business is it of yours who I choose to.vote for
    My support is for best interest of country and people
    So far the deliverables by this govt has been towards the influencers who help to secure this govt a victory


  15. @ David

    Heard members are being called and encouraged to vote for Hewitt. An elderly person I know said he received such a call, but voted for Verla instead.

    Also heard Freundel has been encouraging members to vote for Hewitt as well.

    We’ve already witnessed how certain DEMS have been attempting to influence the vote for the guy.


    • @Artax

      A simple analysis of total numbers reported for De Peiza vs George Pilgrim and De Peiza vs Hewitt will leave you to make a simple conclusion, a political neophyte roused the DLP base.


  16. Well the count is finished results obtained retains Verla Depezia as President Depezia and the party membership next goal is to kick present govt out of office
    A govt who made promises of HOPE to the people but yet to deliver
    Congratulations Verla Depezia
    May God give her the strength and direction to defeat this awful govt in the next general election

    Signed
    Country First


  17. @ David

    If DePieza won, perhaps DEMS are fantasizing about her becoming the first female DLP Prime Minister

    How can we CLAIM to believe in ‘country first’ and not SHUDDER at thinking that, without a viable alternatives, our only options are either to retain “this awful government” or turn to the “awful DLP?”

    Perhaps we’re more concerned with ‘party first.’


    • @Artax

      The blogmaster has been trying to extract from former MP for St. Lucy Denis Kellman whether he endorses De Peiza for St. Lucy. Do you have a view?


  18. Artax

    How can we CLAIM to believe in ‘country first’ and not SHUDDER at thinking that, without a viable alternatives, our only options are either to retain “this awful government” or turn to the “awful DLP?”
    Xxccccccc
    Interesting comment which makes for shuddering of mind and one which begs the question
    Why can’t the DlP be considered a viable opposition


  19. @ David

    I doubt he will endorse her.

    History indicates Kellman has ALWAYS been all about HIMSELF.

    Kellman first……… party second.

    And, if you take into consideration many of the ‘old guard’ seem not to be supportive of Verla.


    • @Artax

      Agree with your assessment.

      One anticipates the fact most of the old guard being unsupportive maybe work for DePeiza come 2023.


  20. “Why can’t the DlP be considered a viable opposition?”

    ANY political party can “be considered a viable opposition.”


  21. ArtaxAugust 22, 2021 7:56

    ANY political party can “be considered a viable opposition

    Xxxccc
    Further explanation is necessary


  22. @ David

    It may definitely work in her favour.

    However, I’m sure you’ve noticed how Denis Lowe has been ‘towing the line.’

    And, I’m also hearing that David Estwick is seeking to ‘run’ the next general elections and……….. Michael Lashley, if he is asked to do so.

    Seems it’s going to be a very interesting general election campaign.

    So far, the DEMS have been concentrating more on ‘infighting,’ while engaging in frivolous, petty criticisms, such as the PM going on vacation or correlating a photograph with racism.

    According to DEM, during their tenure, “stop criticizing and bring solutions.”

    We are yet hear what are their socioeconomic policies, how will they ago about dealing with COVID-19, if they plan to restructure the economy, more importantly, Verla’s vision for Barbados.


  23. angela cox August 22, 2021 8:36 AM #: “Further explanation is necessary.”

    No.

    My response is self-explanatory.


    • @Artax

      The key for DePeiza is her leadership ability to covert parochial success to the national level. A look at Hewitts use of traditional and social media channels suggests he has something to offer the party. Assign him a task given his strengths.


  24. Is a lost cause for the DLP – the Old guard knows this .

    Verla Got a bump up now But after another massive defeat at the polls , the door Will be openned to the ‘Old guards’ candidate

    NDP. Need to make some more noise . The new president gave two good interview after he was selected now they need to be In the news/community more

    Mia went silent and let them fight the spile to the nation and sucked the Air from their big new day


  25. Artax
    We are yet hear what are their socioeconomic policies, how will they ago about dealing with COVID-19, if they plan to restructure the economy, more importantly, Verla’s vision for Barbados
    Xxx cccccc
    If memory serves correct Verla had made several statements on Covid even stating that govt take on vaccinations were insufficient to give public clarity on the issue of mandatory vaccine
    On the issue of the economy dlp spokesperson Ryan Walter’s have made several comments and statements which Depezia has not disagreed
    In any case going into the last election MiA kept her plans closed and only a pursue a plan of criticizing the then govt


  26. @ David,

    The BLP will win a majority in the next elections.The magnitude will likely be more than 20 seats.

    Bajans will show their gratitude for the International aid obtained by the BLP government.


    • @Hants

      It is too early to call although it is likely. With the economy continuing to tank, and COVID 19 fatigue messing with the psyche of many there are so many unknowns to compare with election cycles of the past.


  27. Homework for Hants.
    Two separate assignments
    (1) List, in order of desirability, the names of the 20 worth keeping and the reason they should be kept.

    (2) List the names of the 10 worth dumping? What separate these ten from the last ten in list #1.


  28. Homework for TheOGazerts,

    Diaspora Corner where you will find the results of my preferred ” Homework ”

    My contributions to BU are not to be taken seriously except my choices of songstresses as evident in the Diaspora Corner.

    G G is still my # one.


  29. angela cox August 22, 2021 9:25 AM

    My friend, it’s clear you read, but DO NOT UNDERSTAND what you read.

    I wrote, “we are yet hear how will they ago about DEALING with COVID-19.”

    “Verla making several statements on Covid and even stating that govt take on vaccinations were insufficient to give public clarity on the issue of mandatory vaccine,”……………

    …………. are MERE CRITICISMS and NOT an articulation of a COVID-19 policy.


  30. My response should be one gathered with sufficient understanding that Depezia has made sufficient input on that issue and many others
    Hencein likewise manner Mia kept a closed mouth on issues going into the last election
    Verla should not be denied the same due


  31. angela cox August 22, 2021 10:39 AM

    Sufficient input in what?????

    Criticizing is NOT the same as ARTICULATING a policy initiative.

    And, you’re suggesting the DLP shouldn’t outline their plans for socioeconomic development of the island, but the electorate should ‘buy a pig in a bag’ and vote for them based ONLY on their criticisms of the BLP?


    • @Artax

      Unfortunately our system of politics is one which encourages adversarial tactics. We live by the political sword, we die by the political sword.


  32. @ David

    That reminds me……….. the official Opposition Leader and his PdP are extremely quiet. This is not very encouraging.


    • @Artax

      The PdP is a contrived official opposition created to avert a constitutional crisis. Subtract Caswell and what is left?


  33. Between a rock and a hard place. Six is still half dozen.

    Yawn!

    Only eight hundred people disagreed with me that this is a bore.


  34. The president of the Dlp delivers a speech borne on confidence to the rousing and thunderous applause of members
    Also a call for unity by Depezia is foremost going forward


  35. Angela Cox Ms Depeiza is a political lightweight who has retained her position over another political lightweight hardly earth shattering news.The big question is csn she even win the St Lucy seat without the support of Mr Kellman?I doubt it and after the next elections the old guard of either Mr Sealy, or Dr Estwick will return to vie for the leadership.This was a point made by Mr Hartley Henry the other night on CBC and i totally agree with himThosr guys will not allow any of the newbies to lead them.By the way AC you heard the PM yesterday ? I hope you heard that they had recoended Dame Mason as the president and they have no intention of erasing the late Mr Barrow, s legacy.These points were being bandied about by dems on the call in programmes as reasons not to dupport the republic or the November 30 th date.Both has been dismissed as pure political shite talk by the dems.I gone.


  36. LorenzoAugust 22, 2021 4:13 PM

    Angela Cox Ms Depeiza is a political lightweight who has retained her position over another political lightweight hardly earth shattering news.

    Xxxxxxxxxx
    Is that the way the blp sees or think of Depezia
    Then why aren’t u celebrating her win instead of speaking of names once again to contest her


  37. Guy Hewitt

    The DLP won today!

    I am pleased to have been part of this journey and I am grateful to my team for their hard work, and to my supporters who came out.

    In analysing our goals and milestones; we’ve had a higher voter turnout, we reignited and inspired the Party, and shone a spotlight on this Party that radiated across this great nation; but in the end the voters have spoken.

    Congrats to Madame President and the newly elected officers.

    Guy Hewitt


  38. The arrogant ex-ambassador Hewitt obviously lives in a world apart. Florida, perhaps? He is just trying to suck up to the DLP grandees now, so that he can soon move into parliament and live there at the taxpayer’s expense – just as he did in London when he enjoyed the luxury of his white masters as ambassador.

    Time for Comrade Hewitt to finally publish the list of goods he imported tax-free at the expense of the black masses to the plantation called Barbados after his ambassadorship expired. Those who betray the working class should stand by it!


  39. How many mouths Guy Hewit got?

    Wuh I hear reading about problems he says he has with lack of transparency in the election process.

    First he had no intetest in running to divide the party and in a couple of weeks he was here running and dividing the party.

    Then he was calling for a clean campaign just before he got dirty.

    Then he said he would accept the results of the election just before complaining about transparency in the process and now he is congratulating De Peiza on her victory?

    The people obviously made the right choice.


  40. DonnaAugust 22, 2021 7:04 PM

    How many mouths Guy Hewit got

    Xxxxxxxxx
    Now answer this how many Mouths does Mia have ?


  41. The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is charging that the Mia Amor Mottley administration has no power under the Constitution to nominate Governor General Dame Sandra Mason to be the first President of Barbados.

    Verla De Peiza, who was re-elected as president after voting on Friday and Saturday, said today that the DLP will not be sitting silently.


  42. @Donna
    Then he said he would accept the results of the election just before complaining about transparency in the process and now he is congratulating De Peiza on her victory?
    ++++++++++++
    What is wrong with Hewitt congratulating DePeiza? Should he continue the acrimony after the DLP members voted for her?


  43. The dlp is ready for their next battle
    Depezia has put together a young vibrant team
    Many suspect that Mia might call.an early election making it almost next to.impossible for the dlp to pull together enough financial support to fight govt machinery


  44. @angela coxAugust 23, 2021 4:04 PM

    “young vibrant team”?

    That sounds a lot like the chaos squad that economically plundered the black masses from 2008 to 2018.


  45. TronAugust 23, 2021 4:24 PM

    @angela coxAugust 23, 2021 4:04 PM

    “young vibrant team”?

    That sounds a lot like the chaos squad that economically plundered the black masses from 2008 to 2018.
    Xxccccc
    What about this overbloated bunch that says nothing and does nothing


  46. Sargeant,

    Not a thing wrong with congratulating her on her victory. Something wrong with everything that came before.

    Something wrong with flip flopping so quickly on EVERY DAMN THING HE SAYS.

    Since Donald Trump questioned the US election, every damn candidate seems to be sowing seeds of doubt in every election process in Barbados.

    We have such in the NUPW elections and now in the DLP elections.

    The man just came back from Florida a couple of weeks ago and expected to oust the woman just so????? I expected him to be beaten and he was.

    And after watching what happened in America close up one should not casually toss around comments about lack of transparency in an election process without providing details for perusal.

    His congratulatory mouthings ring hollow to me shortly after his comments about lack of transparency.

    Trying to have it both ways.

    That’s all I need to know about him.

    Presenting himself as some reluctant saviour! Who the hell does he think he is fooling?


  47. In reading the story, it would appear that the city members still have a willingness to fight the good fight.

    The high-handed and ‘disrespectful’ efforts does not build party unity. Verla has to be careful that she does not splinter the party or create strong independent candidates.


  48. “It is total disrespect, because how can they think that the same candidate who is not fit to be general secretary could be fit to run in The City as the representative?”
    ++++++++++++
    Those are some potent words, has the marijuana charge been resolved? If he was removed of his post pending the resolution of those charges and the charges are still outstanding then the City reps criticism is well founded

    Over to you Ms DePeiza


  49. @Hants
    What are you smoking? Yuh mean to tell me that you know the results of the promised Referendum on the legalization of marijuana? 😉
    @Donna

    Smoking marijuana may not be an issue in the City but the DLP made it an issue for Kemar when they removed him from his leadership position in the Party because he was charged with a marijuana related offence. They could have waited but they panicked and removed him, they can’t have it both ways but what do I know.


  50. Build the desal plants up in St.Lucy do!. Nuff time to complete projects and up the vaccination numbers. The only way for the economy is up. Doubt me? After the next election Verla will be beaten again and her political career done without even starting. Where is Kellman from? Where’s Peter Phillips from? Verla? The lady is busy talking nonsense about vacation and the constitutionality of government indicating its preference for the first President to be the sitting GG, appointed by her party while she was a government Senator. Make it make sense.


  51. Enuff Verla brought u out of hibernation
    Looks like Verla words made u so uncomfortable that you telling govt to hurry up and build the Desal plants in St. Lucy


  52. DLP’s leadership errors
    VERLA DE PEIZA’S success in staving off a second challenge to her leadership may, in the shortterm, provide some post-election stability to the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), but in the long-run, might militate against necessary actions of re-organisation and ideological reformulation required for future success.
    A common error of parties like the DLP which are reeling from shattering electoral defeats, is their tendency to focus too narrowly on the question of leadership. (Problem: we have been mauled at the polls. Solution: find a miraculous leader who will bring immediate electoral success). Out of this simple formula arises the thousand missteps now publicly on display within the DLP. The error is compounded by the several “public commentators” whose every “analysis” revolves around personal commentary about the various potential DLP leadership contenders, with simplistic prognosis around their chances against Mia Amor Mottley, the current leader of the Barbados Labour Party.
    Surely, the analysis of political parties is a far more sophisticated and nuanced undertaking than such “strawman”type formulas would allow.
    The problem arises from an over-emphasis on electoral readiness rather than the deeper organic question of the role of the party within the specific political-economy of the given moment. When Errol Barrow and his contemporaries formed the DLP, they were thinking less of future electoral success, and more of questions of independence, the role of government in the context of retreating colonialism, regionalism after the federation, and related questions relevant to the political economy of Barbados at the time. It is such questions which differentiated the DLP from the BLP, not whether Barrow was a more “exciting” leader than Grantley or Tom Adams.
    It is a grave error to assume that the only explanation for the DLP’s 30-0 defeat in the 2018 election is Freundel Stuart’s “leadership style” versus Mia Mottley’s. It is equally foolhardy to assume that the current problems of the DLP revolve around the style and personality of De Peiza and that the solution is to find a more “exciting” personality. Significantly, the two charging “young bulls” that she has nonchalantly brushed aside were both spurred by the same assumptions and had the same sponsors and backers, all associated with 2018. It is unlikely that a third challenge will emerge soon. Hopefully, the moment will allow for the focus on the deeper critical
    issues.
    However, De Peiza’s internal consolidation has not resolved the DLP’s challenges. Her problems reside less in the annual nuisance challenges, and more in her failure to present appropriate policy responses to the BLP, best illustrated by her current stances on republicanism. Instead of organising themselves annually to challenge De Peiza, the DLP’s “brains trust” would better spend their time on policy formulation relevant to the present political economy of Barbados, recalling Barrow in the 1960s.
    Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven, and electoral success shall be added unto you!
    Tennyson Joseph is a political scientist at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, specialising in regional affairs. Email tjoe2008@live.com


    Source: Nation


  53. Tennyson Joseph commentary should have been posted under more Baffled Bull.Shit
    Mottley brought nothing to the Blp going into the last general election
    Most likely her “charisma ” many bought into which was seen to be a completion of her being a formidable leader for the party
    Along with being experienced in those things political
    Verla battle will also include one of winning the hearts and minds of the people
    Much has been said about the loss of Hewitt but not much said that in three months his ability to win the hearts of three hundred might have expose verlas weakness going into the general election

    Signed
    Reality check


    • She won the hearts and minds of DLP faithfuls. It is no surprise what Joseph is saying travels above your head. In many ways he he criticizing the political culture that’s plagues our landscape at this time.


  54. @ David

    I agree with Dr. Joseph. What he outlined in his article cannot, in all honesty, be refuted.

    Recall I mentioned in previous contributions that Verla hasn’t provided the electorate with any information relative to her vision for the future development of the island, or how the DEMS plan to deal with COVID 19, or their socioeconomic policies.

    A ‘foot soldier’ presented Verla’s criticisms of mandatory vaccinations as sound policy initiatives. And, because Mottley kept policies ‘close to her chest,’ Verla should be allowed to do the same. So, we shouldn’t ask her any questions, but vote for the DLP based solely on they criticizing Mia Mottley.

    Nonsense!!!

    It is this type of political immature thinking that causes one to shudder at the fact we’re faced with either retaining the BLP or returning to the DLP.


    • The pandemic had presented the opportunity for out of the box approaches, the economic meltdown before that- what has we observed?


    • It is also unfortunate that Peter Wickman seems committed at every turn to a pro government stance. What is the objective presenting Khaleel on the program when he is own? Note the blogmaster has no problem with the young man.


  55. DavidAugust 26, 2021 7:02 AM

    She won the hearts and minds of DLP faithfuls. It is no surprise what

    Xxxxcc
    If five hundred votes translate to winning the hearts when going into the general election
    What can I say
    Moving on I only have stan pipe mentality


  56. Gonna go
    With tjoe
    However, I think his “Out of this simple formula arises the thousand missteps now publicly on display within the DLP” may be a gross overestimation of the number of missteps.

    I dislike her handling selection process for the candidate for the city.

    On a personal note, nothing irritates me more than anointment, a decree from the king/queen or ‘pedigree’.


  57. Hewitt injected some life into what would be otherwise be a sleepy affair of a Party contest and he has energized some elements that were sitting on their hands even if it meant that they voted for his opponent. Verla should make some accommodation for him, but many politicians act in haste but repent at leisure.

    I always thought that if Clyde Mascoll didn’t act in a fit of pique after he lost the leadership of the DLP he would have succeeded David Thompson and become PM, how different would the history be but he joined the BLP and is irrelevant today.


    • Bear in mind the members voting reflect those who are financial. Verla Depeiza winning against George Pilgrim and Guy Hewitt are wins but they were not strong candidates. George was labelled old guard and Hewitt a man who tried to win from top down without getting his hands dirty.


    • Obviously designed to blunt what Tennyson Joseph refers to as nuisance challenges for leadership of the DLP before 2023.


  58. “I always thought that if Clyde Mascoll didn’t act in a fit of pique after he lost the leadership of the DLP he would have succeeded David Thompson and become PM.”

    Many people share that same opinion.

    However, a rational analysis of the events leading up to when the no confidence was brought against Mascoll, along with the under hand methods used to remove him as Opposition and party leader, indicate otherwise.


  59. Sarge i noticed you always with this nonsense about if Mr Mascoll did not act in haste he could have been PM after Mr Thompson died? Tell us how do you know this? From a crystal ball?At that time after Mr Thompson had run away from a third straight defeat which would have ended his hopes for leadership,Mr Mascoll build up the party to seven MPs from two.Why the hell should he step aside for the opportunistic Thompson?Whst had Mr Thompson done or said in his over twenty years as MP or Minister to merit such dpecial treatment?Perhaps talking about young people working for bus fare and lunch money pr promising to expose all in queen , s park? We all know how that went.The evidence after Mr Thompson became PM and his dismal performance thereafter proved Mr Mascoll was right to do what he did in leaving that party.I agreed with him then and i still agree with him now.


  60. @Lorenzo

    Have you ever heard of speculation? Have you ever heard of opinion? Have you ever heard of an educated guess? What if I wrote that if Grantley Adams hadn’t left Barbados to lead the WI Federation Errol Barrow would not have become Prime Minister.

    As to what Thompson did to Mascoll it is grist to the mill; Arthur did many things to Mottley, but she didn’t bolt and I won’t rehash his statements.

    I’m sure Clyde is happy to know that he has a supporter out there, that and a quarter wouldn’t even buy bread and two.


  61. Didn’t whine. Didn’t bolt. Saw him rejected in her favour. No sign of gloating. Saw him dead and buried. No sign of gloating.

    And Clyde? Sheltering under her wing.

    Now, how did she do that?


  62. The DLP and Barbados’ political future
    By Ralph Jemmott Fortunately or unfortunately, in Barbados politics is everything and everything is politics.
    Politics is defined as the management of human affairs, and human affairs have to be managed, one way or the other.
    This is true whether we are talking about the small Greek city state of yore or the modern expansive polities of the United States and India, the world’s largest democracy.
    In The Nation of August 26, John Goddard offered a few words of advice to Ms Verla De Peiza. At Harrison College, Verla was an able student, winning a Barbados Exhibition in 1991. From early she displayed a keen interest in politics. I once told a small group, including her, that was attending a funeral in St Philip, that Verla was born with a capital D on her forehead.
    D as in Douglas Leopold Philip or as the Dems claim, “Dear Loving People”.
    Daunting task
    Verla De Peiza has been reconfirmed as the president of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), beating off what Tennyson Joseph described as “the young bulls”. The revival of the DLP itself is a daunting task, not to mention the laying out of a philosophy and strategy for the country, if perchance the party can regain the Government of the country.
    The second challenge is the person of the Prime Minister [Mia Amor Mottley], a now seasoned campaigner who has developed something on an international reputation.
    “Yuh en see how she tek on poor Zeinab Badawi, tell she ’bout how she disingenuous an’ all dat. Had the Zeinab on the back foot fending off a Carl Mullins or Curtly Ambrose bouncer. Duck girl, Duck.’ Badawi herself is not an intellectual or journalistic bantamweight, but as I told someone, ‘Yuh en know dat we Prime Minister is ‘Rugged’ granddaughter. Mia right to put Zeinab in she place.”
    Mottley is a political heavyweight while De Peiza has still to prove herself as a viable cruiserweight. To change that impression, she has to first win a seat in the next elections. I would hate to appear discouraging, but it is most unlikely that the DLP, whoever its leadership, could confine the Mottley administration to one term. It is not a Government that has been asleep at the wheel, but it should forget the follies of symbolism and look to address the real issues that concern the average Bajan.
    Critical choice
    Most right-thinking Barbadians do not want to see this country become a de facto one-party state. The multiparty system is central to our democracy, as it affords the electorate a critical choice. The first imperative is that the DLP must regain a presence in the Parliament. A second clean sweep by the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) would wipe out the party of Errol Walton Barrow and that would be a shame.
    Invariably, the real threat to democracy is not the political leaders, but the cadre of political supplicants who surround them. Goddard has suggested that De Peiza should embrace those who supported Guy Hewitt and the defeated old guard. The old guard may be so discredited that this might not be wise. However, there are some less discredited that could be co-opted. All this will depend on how they see De Peiza and how committed they themselves are to the cause of the party and to Barbados.
    The task is not just to bring a full slate of candidates but to offer persons of standing, integrity and repute. Someone recently noted that some of the people offering themselves for politics are less than comforting.
    Problematic
    The restoration of the economy is equally problematic. Talk of diversifying the economy and finding alternative paths to growth is easier said than done.
    The COVID-19 pandemic, if it continues, will inhibit any plans that any government might wish to make. Our future still rests with tourism and international business.
    One sees little that can fill that void in relation to earning foreign currency. The talk of sports and culture as engines of economic growth often borders on sentimentality with chatter about an ostensible “abundance of talent”. Beyond cricket, Barbados is hardly a great sporting country.
    I agree that the National Stadium is a blight on the landscape. I would dearly like to see the restoration of the Empire Theatre and The Barbados Public Library on Coleridge Street.
    In his column, Tennyson Joseph speaks to the imperatives of “reorganisation and ideological reformulation”. Some reorganisation should accompany the restoration of the party’s George Street headquarters. On the issue of ideology, I have grown tired of theoretical abstractions and lofty orthodoxies that beyond academia mean little and offer less.
    The recalibration of a DLP programme must take into account contemporary social and economic realities and not offer pie in the sky solutions that are hardly realisable and impossible to implement. We tired of that.
    Ralph Jemmott is a social commentator and retired educator.

    Source: Nation


  63. Reflections on DLP election

    By Peter Wickham The recent Democratic Labour Party (DLP) presidential election generated an unusually high level of interest and should provoke an analysis that seeks to identify strategic errors made by the challenger along with a look at the state of affairs within the party.
    The appended chart speaks to a simple analysis of comparative headline data from the 2020 and 2021 elections.
    The raw numbers reflect an increased participation of 263, which amounts to a 48 per cent increase on account of Guy Hewitt’s challenge. This is commendable as national elections since the onset of COVID-19 have resulted in lower levels of participation.
    That said, there is a curious similarity between the support levels received by Verla De Peiza in 2020 and 2021, along with the support levels for George Pilgrim and Hewitt in the same years. De Peiza’s support level falls just short of two-thirds of the DLP’s support in both 2020 and 2021, while the challengers recorded just over one-third.
    Clear divide
    Clearly, Hewitt inspired an increased participation to his own benefit; however, there was an equally forceful increase in those who voted against him to preserve the status quo.
    This highlights a clear and quantifiable divide within the DLP. These two sides can be conveniently labelled the “old guard” and “vanguard” and the popularity of the latter has been reinforced by these results.
    We have, therefore, had two elections in which the “old guard” presented different candidates with the same result. Pilgrim was a more genuine blue-blooded Dem with a deep history, but his association with the “old guard” appeared to have sealed his fate.
    Hewitt was different, having parachuted into the candidacy and joining the DLP in 2018.
    It was therefore difficult to associate him with the “old guard” especially as he started by acknowledging the previous administration’s failings. As time passed, however, familiar faces appeared in support of his candidature and linked him to this toxic group of former Parliamentarians that the majority of rank-and-file Dems clearly want nothing to do with.
    In my own analysis of the DLP’s options, I have consistently argued that it needs to identify new talent, along with a new ethos, setting it apart from the BLP. Certainly, the “old guard” will need to participate in this process; however, the majority of Dems seem to understand the reality that their party will reap little success if it allows its politics to be dominated by those faces, along with their baggage.
    Well resourced
    In this most recent instance, the level of organisation suggests that the challenge was well resourced. This is ironic, especially as the DLP struggles to raise money to repair its physical and virtual infrastructure, and one would have thought that well-wishers would appreciate the extent to which their resources could be better spent in assisting the DLP’s “vanguard”.
    The matter of Hewitt’s candidacy is also deserving of specific reflection, especially as it was ill-advised in so many respects. Hewitt was the consummate political neophyte, with no history of constituency involvement or any other grassroots political activity.
    In fairness, Hewitt did seek a nomination from the DLP in 2011 for the Christ Church West constituency, which De Peiza later contested; however, this was not mentioned during his campaign. We were, therefore, left to presume that Hewitt believed that his four-year stint as High Commissioner and involvement in the Windrush campaign was sufficient to trump De Peiza’s demonstrated commitment to grass-roots politics.
    Across the Caribbean, grass-roots involvement is seen as a prerequisite to national leadership, and one struggles to identify any successful leader who parachuted into the top spot without it. Certainly, the case of Allen Chastanet comes close; however, his prime ministerial victory was preceded by a ministerial appointment (2006-2011) along with an unsuccessful bid for office in 2011. In the Caribbean we are not like the United States, where Donald Trump or Ronald Regan could prevail and one would have thought that Hewitt’s handlers would have known this rudimentary principle.
    In addition, there are some of Hewitt’s characteristics that are undoubtedly problematic, such as the generous “helping” of hubris reflected in any of his statements. Politicians tend to love themselves more than the average Joe does, but this characteristic can be distracting when it displaces the need to demonstrate commitment, long service or a basis for comparison with one such as Barrow. One could perhaps have missed this trait during the campaign, but it was difficult not to notice it in his concession, which preceded an expressed intention to withdraw his support from the DLP going forward.
    There are several downsides to this recent episode, with a key one being the “old guard’s” exposure of their ignorance of the environment they seek to dominate.
    In addition, they have effectively now ruined a political hopeful who could have had a future in politics. Hewitt’s style offered no quarter to De Peiza, and while she has publicly offered him a seat “in the front row,” it will be difficult for him to fall in line under a person in whom he professed no confidence. Suffice to say, his stance effectively suggested that while he was interested in leading the DLP, a junior role was perhaps “beneath him”, which is not a good look for a political hopeful.
    We might therefore have witnessed the equivalent of a political shooting star which burned brightly for a brief period and thereafter disappeared into the political twilight.
    Peter W. Wickham (peter.w.wickham@gmail


  64. DLP stumbles yet again
    By Ezra Alleyne Music, like politics, excites me, and Brian May PhD (astrophysics), the masterful bass guitar with the now disbanded British rock band Queen, catches me every time. YouTube it and hear!
    So that when a nearby computer belts out the tune Another One Bites The Dust, it immediately arrested my attention. But the music coincided with the news that the Rev. Guy Hewitt had lost two to one to Verla De Peiza in the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) presidential race. I was now caught . . . twice.
    I made the point when Hewitt parachuted in, as if from a helicopter, that his challenge would hurt the DLP. It has and it will. His parting-shot letter tells its own story, but there is no question that Hewitt appears to have some skills that are useful to political aspirants.
    Yet discretion is the better part of valour, and those who rush into China shops or political parties like the proverbial bull are as likely to be as successful as Guy Fawkes was, and that earlier Guy also failed . . . miserably.
    There are so many aspects of this latest political faux pas by the DLP that some serious reflection is required.
    What kind of political party can it be that a man who is reported to have “recently” joined the party can land a plum political appointment as High Commissioner? Like Tom Jones sang Tell me what he’s got that I ain’t got! Who was his political “godfather? He must have had one, and if so, was that mentor unavailable to guide him through the political undergrowth?
    Instead, Hewitt was caught in the thicket like the proverbial lamb to the slaughter. From a national perspective, it is now regrettable that a “potential” political talent like Hewitt may now be totally lost to the local bodily politic.
    Now to the so-called old guard. This leadership contest has shown up the wide split within the DLP. It also shows the difference between the two parties.
    Team strategy
    I go back to 1976. When the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) won its first election after Independence, the BLP old guard of Ronald Mapp, Mencea Cox, and L. Brathwaite, some of whom lost their seats in 1961 to the DLP, were part of the overall team.
    Tom Adams had Johnny Cheltenham, David Simmons, Leroy Sisnett, Billie Miller, Maurice Ward, DeLisle Bradshaw and me on his likely backbench, a veritable plethora of young talent.
    Cox and Mapp were knighted, Mapp and Brathwaite were appointed ministers and Cox was chairman of the Constitutional Commission in 1978. I was his deputy chairman.
    Miller was appointed Minister of Health at 32. She was the country’s first female Cabinet minister. The experience of our old guard and youth were harmoniously blended in a powerful political message to the country.
    Our leader had wisely chosen. He explained aspects of his choice to us. We respected and did not undermine his leadership, but then we were not Dems.
    Verla De Peiza and her female colleagues in the Dems never got the promotion that they may have deserved. The BLP, on the other hand, opens doors to its promising political talent. It is a big difference between the parties.
    Flashback to 1993. The next election was due in 1996.The Dems were in power, and the BLP is in Opposition. Henry Forde was Leader of the Opposition. The BLP leadership analyses its future and determines it must elect a new political leader.
    Owen Seymour Arthur, the youngest of the group, gets the merited backing and support of the majority of the MPs. The party closes ranks and focuses its attention on the future.
    That was September 1993. Turmoil within the DLP presents an opportunity for a no-confidence motion, and by June of the following year, some nine months later, a united BLP supported its new leader as he presents the no-confidence motion and proves his political ability. The election follows and the BLP is elected.
    The people get 14 years of substantial economic success. That is good political party management. When will the DLP learn?
    Anyway, if Hewitt believed that the DLP leader did not possess the competencies to be leader, he ought to have allied that assessment with the realistic view that it would be difficult to overthrow the leader, so close to a General Election. He should have joined the team and waited.
    But then, as he says, he does not have the psyche of a politician. Age is now a major factor for both De Peiza and Hewitt. Both are already in their 50s and without any ministerial or even membership experience in the Lower House.
    Mia Amor Mottley, also in her 50s, already has close to 20 years’ ministerial experience. Political realities force me to believe that the next DLP Prime Minister is among the Young Democrats. But when?
    Ezra Alleyne is an attorney and a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.

    Source: Nation

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