Member of Parliament for Christ Church South Ralph Thorne was sworn in yesterday by the President of Barbados as Leader of the Opposition after crossing the floor. The idealists among us expect his defection from the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to be the catalyst for improving people representation and governance, on the other hand realists are overwhelmed by a severe feeling of déjà vu.
Although highly respected as a lawyer, the blogmaster does not expect Thorne- a political lightweight- to present a short term threat to the political juggernaut that is Mia Mottley. That said, his crossing of the floor indicates the aura of BLP invincibility is under threat.
It should be noted Thorne has left the door open to returning to the Democratic Labour Party (DLP). One suspects he will allow some time to pass in order to measure public reaction to his crossing and take next steps to strengthen his political hand. In theory it makes sense to fight for change from within the duopoly system, Barbadians have demonstrated a lack of appetite for third parties. The late Richie Haynes as prominent as he was, Barbadians rejected his National Democratic Party (NDP). Of recent, Joseph Atherley and his People’s Party for Democracy and Development (PPDD) suffered a similar fate.
Listening to Thorne’s interaction with members of the media after he was sworn in, he made repeated references to being compelled by conscience to take a moral high ground anchored to his faith based upbringing. He referred to the IDB questionnaire mishap. One is left to ponder whether Thorne is conflicted by the fact the Mottley led government has taken on a liberal bent which conflicts with a Barbados historically described as practicing traditional values. Then again, he is a politician and a crafty lawyer who may want to create a point of separation to grow his brand with a conservative Barbadian demographic.
The blogmaster expected a member of the Press Corp to have asked if he declined any requests to join the Cabinet of Barbados. It would lend credence to the belief Thorne was alienated by Mottley for whatever reason. It must be said in difference to Thorne’s intellect, he was given the opportunity to Chair the Thorne Commission ‘to oversee consultations with stakeholders to guide the process of electing community-based People’s Assemblies in Barbados. This is Barbados where communications and disclosures by elected officials to inform the citizenry involves wishful thinking.
It is unfortunate the dysfunction to the governance of Barbados post 2018 brought about by the BLP wining all seats in parliament has to be addressed by a member crossing the floor. It is something the Constitutional Reform Commission must look at addressing. If anything the Barbados experience has made a strong case for proportional representation as a way to safeguard our democracy.
Time will reveal all.
“Vigilant citizens are a must for the successful working of a democracy“.
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