Ralph Thorne is Barbados latest Opposition leader.
Barbadians are waking up to the news Ralph Thorne has crossed the floor which means he assumes the role as Opposition Leader in our parliament.
It is left to be seen in the coming weeks and months if Thorne’s decision proves to be a challenge for Mia Mottley and the Barbados Labour Party (BLP). The blogmaster will wait to hear what Thorne has to say to get a sense if this is another of those contrived positions to compare with Joseph Atherley. In any event it seems a crossing by a member of the sitting BLP member was the only way for Barbados to have an official opposition.
The surprise move will choke the informal and traditional news channels and overshadow the work Thorne’s former Democratic Labour Party has been doing to rebrand and rebuild after its decimation by the BLP in the last two general elections. What we are sure about is that with Thorne’s crossing and Neil Rowe’s legal issues the aura of invincibility by the motlleycrew is showing signs of cracks.
The other point to ponder, Thorne would not have made a move against the powerful Mia Mottley if he did not see ‘opportunity’ from his perch within the belly of the beast. It is also likely he will have a few others who may jump ship to join him on the other side. It will be those whose pension is secure or players that see themselves floating on the political fringe and willing to throw the dice at an opportunity to breath live into flagging political career.
Thorne will have a political edge in the current political environment which can be characterised as having a weak opposing voice.
Discuss for 25 marks.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.