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Cometh the hour, cometh Ralph Thorne

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Ralph Thorne
Ralph Thorne, Opposition Leader

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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98 responses to “Cometh the hour, cometh Ralph Thorne”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    Thorne’s stand one of ‘principle’

    New Opposition Leader sworn in, breaks silence

    by COLVILLE MOUNSEY

    colvillemounsey@nationnews. com

    “AN EXTRICATION from oppressive circumstances.”

    This is how newly appointed Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne described his departure from the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) last week.

    Speaking to the media following a brief swearing-in ceremony before President The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason at State House yesterday morning, Thorne broke his silence on the motivation behind the move to cross the floor of the House of Assembly, which left the country stunned last weekend.

    The King’s Counsel and former Government backbencher said it came down to a choice between principle and “blind party obedience”. He said the writing was on the wall for some time, but he could no longer toe the line on a number of the Mia Amor Mottley administration’s policies and legislations.

    Thorne also made it clear that he had no interest in personal conflicts, and promised to be objective.

    “My speeches were not always supportive of the Government but still I felt a parliamentary obligation to protect the interests of the Government. It reached a point where I had a choice between blind obedience and principled objection, and I could not go on indefinitely trying to be diplomatic, trying to protect the interests of the Government against principle,” he said.

    Philosophical views

    “Diplomacy often leads to hypocrisy. Your conscience must mean something and therefore I came to the point where I had to take the decision that if my philosophical and political views do not accord with those of Government in terms of its legislation, in terms of its policy, the relationship becomes untenable.”

    Thorne first entered elective politics as a member of the Democratic Labour Party in the St Michael North riding in the 1994 and 1999 General Elections, but was unsuccessful. He later joined the BLP and was nominated in 2015, with the backing of Mottley who was then Opposition Leader, to contest the Christ Church South seat, which he has held since 2018.

    The senior attorney, who visited the President last Friday to declare his intentions, told the media he had serious concerns about the high number of consultants within the administration, and that they came at the expense of jobs for the most vulnerable.

    He also voiced strong opposition to Government’s education reform, noting that while he is in favour of curriculum reform, a tearing down of the entire education system was a non-starter for him.

    “There is the question of subjecting our children, our innocent children whom we sent to school, to a survey which amounted to a grievous invasion of their privacy. This was wrong. This was legally, constitutionally and morally wrong; it should not have happened,” he said in reference to the controversial Inter-American Development Bank survey conducted in some secondary schools in 2022.

    “I will tell you this, if I had remained in the Government and they had brought their proposals for the education reform to that Parliament, I would have physically got up from my seat and walked to the other side to express my objection to the dismantling of an education system which has brought democracy and justice to this country,” he declared.

    Support

    Thorne said he was confident he had the support of most Barbadians, who he believes have been calling for greater balance in Parliament. He also charged that under the stewardship of the current administration, democracy was under threat.

    “I want to say to the Government that the reason people are objecting so violently to legislation brought is because Government has lost their trust . . . . I am convinced that democracy in this country is under threat. There has been an erosion of our democratic traditions; people are afraid to speak.

    “Democracy has been under threat in Parliament because Parliament has become a place of unanimity . . . . I could not continue to be a part of that unanimous expression in favour of Government’s policy when the people of this country have their interests at risk.”

    As for his decision to remain silent until yesterday, Thorne said it would have been a disservice to the process, as well as a disrespect to the office of the President, to go public before official matters were concluded.

    In the same vein, the new Opposition Leader said he would wait for the process to be completed before naming his two picks for the Senate.

    He also disclosed that high on his list of priorities would be the reconstitution of the Public Accounts Committee, which has not functioned since 2022.

    “Barbadians have lost confidence in the Government to conduct itself with propriety and believe that there is corruption in high places. If people believe that and there is evidence of that, then it is my duty to urgently reconstitute the Public Accounts Committee so that people’s money can be safeguarded,” he said.

    Source: Nation

  2. David Avatar
    David

    Many will want to follow debate in the Lower House today.

    https://www.youtube.com/barbadosparliament

  3. David Avatar
    David

    The two opposition Senators will be announced by the President of Barbados at 10AM. Interesting is also the fact the two Senators to be relieved comes known.

  4. Bajan Skeptical Avatar
    Bajan Skeptical

    To whom much is given much is expected. We need to stop worship politicians as gods for we are yet to see self interest as second nature. Opposition leader salary is $150,000 or more yearly.

  5. David Avatar
    David

    For the reason you gave about much is expected of elected representatives the blogmaster supports politicians being well paid. The flipside is that we need robust surveillance to hold them accountable. One cannot exist without the other.

  6. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    The new opposition leader confuses blind obedience with the necessary loyalty to leader and state. Loyalty to the leader and the state means adherence to the law and the will of the people and thus democracy at its best.

    Anyone who is not in support of our Supreme Leader is against the people and therefore against democracy, because our Supreme Leader represents the will of the people.

    Tron, supreme interpreter of the New Unwritten Constitution of the New Order

  7. David Avatar
    David

    @Tron

    In our duopoly the will of the people is not a good KPI if one member is very sick.

  8. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Government, Politicians and Business will always shortchange Public and Customers.
    Any expectations contrary are as naive as believing everything what you read or hear.

  9. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    I’m not sure if the trope of Christian angle will have the required radicalism to oppose any Government or turn the tables.
    In the Civil Rights fights people went to Jail for the cause.

    “So I pose a proposition
    Take a look, be in support or opposition
    Then be proactive proceed with confidence
    ‘Cause you know that you can’t change shit by ridin’ the fence”
    — The Coup, Riding the Fence Lyrics

  10. David Avatar
    David

    Two Independent Senators named – Tricia Watson and Ryan Walters.

  11. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    It is good to hear opposing views, some of which one may not have thought of one’s self, not being fully informed of the facts.

    I am not terribly excited. I don’t expect great things from any of our politicians. Repeated disappointments have taken their toll on optimism.

    But, I’ll give it a listen.

  12. David Avatar
    David

    The Ryan Walters appoint has implications for the DLP and directly Ronnie Yearwood. If Walters can grow his brand it creates a takeover bid opportunity of the leadership of the DLP. It is said Tricia has had a DLP leaning. Interesting going forward.

  13. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Thanks for the information.

    Quite interesting.

    Though it will be good to have a semblance of tension within the political domain,

    It would be illogical to presume that the nature of this political culture could be now overturned in ways which could return the centrality of the duopoly.

    We are also concerned that Thorne who presents as somewhat of a radical, given the extent to which the one-party stateism is now centralized, the forces internal and external supportive…..

    That Thorne’s job, as if the Sisyphus, might be too great in rolling this heavy weight up a hill.

    For on the one side, he must think of himself in relationship to the DLP, a conservative option. However, Thorne has displayed a conservative bent in relationship to the culture of the miseducation system possibly guided by him being a HC former student.

    While the proposed education reforms are unknown to this writer, weee are surprised that Thorne is so violently opposed to reforms as if no good can become of them.

    On the other hand, and having already showed a tilt towards the DLP, and if so, he’ll now have to contend with an apparatus which is dead. Defend the so-called legacy of a lost decade, even as the one after shall be no better.

    Neither option seems opportune. Even in circumstances where third parties have a higher chance of electoral failure.

    Our best judgement therefore is that Sisyphus Thorne’s project is unlikely to succeed. That the entire political or cultural edifice he seeks to defend must be allowed to die because it’s center will never hold again.

    Even in these circumstance, we wish to commend him for having the courage to engage what he thinks is right, even as it was difficult for sometime considering how untenable his political existence might have been, based on familiarity with the forces central.

  14. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    @ David,
    Up until today, I have taken no interest in this new’s story involving the resignation of Ralph Thorne.

    I listened to Ralph’s press interview with the journalists. Visually, he does not look like Owen Arthur. However, if one were to blindfold oneself, his speech both in substance and style sounded remarkably similar to Arthur’s legendary speech outside the House of Parliament where he defended Maria Agard after her expulsion from the BLP.

    I know that many of you (Donna – included) are knowledgeable and seduced with the mother’s country parliamentarian history. Ralph’s speech reminded me of Geoffrey Howe’s resignation speech, a speech par excellence which led to the rapid political assassination of the iron lady – Margaret Thatcher.

    Take a good look at those MP’S who were sitting behind Geoffrey. They empathised and recognised what he was saying as being the unvarnished truth. It would not surprise me that within Mia’s cabinet there must be a number of disgruntled members and fellow MP’S.

    Geoffrey Howe and Ralph Thorne are the Cassius of this world. Is there a Brutus in Barbados who can complete the job?

  15. David Avatar
    David

    @TLSN

    Thorne admitted there is the learning from the Maria Agard experience.

  16. David Avatar
    David

    It is unfortunate the President went with first in first out as the consideration used to excuse Dr. Kristina Hinds and Dr. Chelston Brathwaite from the Upper Chamber. Perhaps a more meritorious approach could have been taken to jettison a couple others. This is the problem we have in the country.

  17. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    @David
    Agree that the loss of Hinds is a loss for the Senate.

    Also, by which barometer have you rated Thorne a lightweight?? If I read you right it seems to me that government is filled with lightweights!

    @TLSN
    Let’s see if any of the MPs grow balls

    Just observing

  18. David Avatar
    David

    @Observing

    We have all light weights in parliament.

  19. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @David
    My (failing) memory, is in the absence of a LoO, the President was to select two senators. Without saying anything, the President seemingly gave these picks to the PM, who in turn offered them to the DLP. When this debacle imploded, two Senators were selected by the President in lieu of LoO. Are these not the two who were retired?

  20. David Avatar
    David

    @NO

    That is correct BUT the other independents serve at her pleasure?

  21. David Avatar
    David

    @NO

    The additional point should be made that the PM by all reports had no authority to offer the opposition those two picks.

  22. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    To all those who are now agitating against our beloved government: In North Korea, there are two minority parties sitting in parliament alongside the ruling party. Nevertheless, the local Supreme Leader rules there for life and without any limitations.

    Anyone who believes that the new Barbadian leader of the opposition will change anything probably also believes that one could gain his or her freedom in the past by fleeing from one plantation to the next.

    When the new constitution comes into force, the issue of “opposition” will soon be a thing of the past. For the people do not desire obstructive opposition, but harmony and strong leadership. They want a strong woman at the top and that can only be one person.

    Tron

  23. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    “Anyone who believes that the new Barbadian leader of the opposition will change anything probably also believes that one could gain his or her freedom in the past by fleeing from one plantation to the next.”

    Look at these “new changes” as a Punch and Judy puppet show for the little children to keep them satisfied. Don’t worry about the glorification of gruesome violence it is all just a pretend act for entertainment a spectator sport dfror the masses to scare and reassure people and keep the population under control. Everybody knows Bajans are drama queens and do love the art of verbal combat with point counter-point dueling ad nauseam. Now they can talk about latest episode of Parliament until the cows come home.

    The Opposition and Government / Parliament will always be best friends forever it’s all very incestuous

  24. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Not unlike prairie dogs, politicians hunt best in pacts.

    And in this direction, given that Thorne was his usually erudite self, we judged that the mere force of numbers would have militated against him. Even when the relative weights of arguments are evenly scored

    More importantly, that Thorne possesses no mass movement behind him, no organizational frame, that there are no other political forces, thus far, coming to his aid, a war like this is seldom won by a David.

    Certainly there is no position ante to which to retreat. Especially when the collective power of such a ruthless regime is up against one.

    The government speakers seemed to have a much better political position as they casted themselves as the defenders of the masses, the workers.

    While Thorne’s case largely rested on a constitutional legalism. A position which could easily be seen as in the interests of hotel owners, as government members staked out the percieved high ground of defending workers, the wider electorate.

    So yes, we give the first round to Mottley. A maximalist leader who might not necessarily have even attended. Maybe as a way of locating this matter as David against Goliath and to confront Thorne with an army of foot soldiers to confront before the dictator must recognize that he exist. She being the Goliath, of course. Except for the ending.

    Maybe Thorne found an ill-advised issue, moment, to launch this phase of his political career. Notwithstanding, it’s early days yet. We hope that his level of political sophistication steps up, a couple notches.

  25. Blogmaster Avatar
    Blogmaster

    https://www.youtube.com/live/plTfmOMs-n0?si=g4qLcVEx7TeKS-Uw

  26. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    Pachamama

    Y’all will see the juggernaut in full flight. Keep thinking the BLP bench poorakey. But what portends for Ronnie(wh)O? Imagine Walters and the damascene-like Watson in the Senate and he can only look in.🤣🤣🤭

  27. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    @ David,
    HELLO! Has the honourable Sandra Husbands just arrived at the conclusion that Barbados tourism industry is simply the resurrection of the plantation business model. LOL!

    The same model that her boss has been promoting for the last five years! Tourism remains the king of industries in Barbados. And we know it is simply not the case of unscrupulous foreign companies who are benefitting from concessions and the exploitation of Barbados labour force. We know that Barbados white business community have for decades survived on the largesse of both political parties at the expense of the Barbados tax payer.

  28. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    @ David,

    Here is a slice of African culture. We should be promoting this pudding and souse woman and her ilk to promote Barbados traditional black culture rather then throwing tax payers money to the white boys and offering concessions to foreign entities.

    Do you think this damn lady would be cooking similar food if she were employed as a chef in the tourist industry for one of those foreign hotels? She would be cooking any and everything non-Bajan.

    Contrast this with Chefettes.

  29. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Enuff

    Be careful!

    Yours is maybe a bridge toooo far for Pacha.

    For we consider that the very nature of the political culture could only accept one hegemon, on either side, at any point in time, at best.

    BTW, there should be no doubt that Mottley is vastly more powerful than any other dictator we’ve had. Including Adams, Barrow, Adams 2, OSA.

    For none of these ever achieved the personal political prowess of this Mottley. Indeed, they always had credible challengers, in and outside the party.

    Mottley has never had this bother. And likely never will.

    On the one side, we have Mottley and it’s clear that she ruthlessly keeps the ranks in line.

    Thorne too, has the ability to be likewise. However, in the absent of timing and luck blessing him, this is fairly unlikely.

    Backbenchers what! Can’t see anything coming from them. You even have problems on the front benches.

  30. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    “Barbados tourism industry is simply the resurrection of the plantation business model.”

    I would like to take this opportunity to point out that I own the copyright to this narrative. Anyone using the narrative must pay a licence fee to me.

    Tron, patriotic influencer

  31. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    David
    They retired those who were picked in lieu of a LoO. That is the correct path.
    The President never said a damn thing. The Constitution required the President to select two. Hence if the PM offered, without anything to the contrary from the President, then the President approved of the choice to offer two to the DLP? Presidential silence = approval.

  32. David, Blogmaster Avatar
    David, Blogmaster

    NO, that is a way to interpret it one would have to concede, clumsy though it was.

  33. David, Blogmaster Avatar
    David, Blogmaster

    The blogmaster is unsure what to make of this DLP intervention. A better strategy, wait for a weak signal?

    https://www.facebook.com/NationBarbados/videos/749549793772281/

  34. David, Blogmaster Avatar
    David, Blogmaster

    Source: Starcom

  35. David, Blogmaster Avatar
    David, Blogmaster

    The long game is a DLP ‘takeover’? Thorne is not a fool and walking in Atherley’s footsteps is a path to nowhere.

    Thorne picks ‘D’ two

    TWO DEMOCRATIC LABOUR PARTY (DLP) members are new Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne’s pick for senators, and they say they are ready to get cracking.

    Consumer advocate and attorney Tricia Watson and businessman Ryan Walters were sworn in yesterday during a brief ceremony at State House.

    Walters, who contested the St Michael North West seat on the DLP ticket in the last election, made it clear he did not foresee a conflict of interest. Neither senator stated whether their appointment was with the blessing of DLP president Dr Ronnie Yearwood.

    “I am a card-carrying member of the Democratic Labour Party. I do not hold office and I do not hold executive office. I am the vice-chairman of the St Michael North West branch. I see my role in the Senate as complementary to any opposing voice or any other interest groups in Barbados,” Walters told the media.

    “I remain committed to the Democratic Labour Party. I joined in 2018 after the first 30-0 defeat, and between 2018 and 2022 I served as the first vice-president and third vicepresident. I was also the spokesperson on business, and I responded to the Budget of 2022.

    Still stands

    “This commitment still stands today. I am looking forward to not only working on behalf of the people of St Michael North West, but also for the people of Barbados as we go forward in this new journey,” he added.

    Watson, who rose to prominence in her role as an intervenor in the Barbados Light & Power/Fair Trading Commission rate hearing, said her appointment provides a larger platform from which she could advocate for the rights of Barbadians.

    “This is a furtherance of service, and it is a service to the people of Barbados and to the country as an entity. So, it naturally dovetails to what I intended to do in public advocacy, which is to represent the interest of the people who put me here.

    Service motto

    “I am here by virtue of what Barbadians give to Barbados. They pay for our education and my service motto is ‘From each according to his ability’. I think it is imperative that I use my ability, both God-given and by the people of Barbados, to serve,” she said.

    The two are replacing Independent Senators Dr Kristina Hinds and Dr Chelston Brathwaite, who had been sworn in on April 8, 2022, to fill the two slots that would have traditionally been allocated to the Opposition, which was non-existent following another 30-0 victory in the January 2022 General Election by the Barbados Labour Party.

    Clerk of Parliament Pedro Eastmond told the MIDWEEK NATION last night: “Their seats were declared vacant and on the recommendation of the Leader of the Opposition, the President appointed Tricia Watson and Ryan Walters. They will be the two senators when the Senate meets [today].”

    Watson gave the assurance that despite her added responsibilities, her fight for energy justice will continue.

    “We must first do some team strategy. Energy justice is my platform and I will continue to do so. The rate cases continue; there are two – one in court and one presently before the Fair Trading Commission. Generally, I will be advocating for the interest of consumers. Protection of the constitutional rights of Barbadians will be at the heart of what I do,” she said.

    Walters said he will place special focus on the advancement of entrepreneurship. He added this was important as the country searches for solutions to enfranchise some of society’s most vulnerable.

    Thorne spoke glowingly of his two selections.

    “I am extremely delighted to be able to introduce two young Barbadians of merit. These are two young Barbadians educated in the best Barbadian traditions. They are both spouses, they are both parents and they are both children of good parents . . . .

    “Watson has distinguished herself in this country for a number of years fighting for the rights of consumers at utilities hearings, while Ryan is involved in corporate Barbados. They spring from the best Barbados has to offer,” the Opposition Leader stated.

    (CLM)

    Source: Nation

  36. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    In the real world the Leader of the Opposition is Ronnie Yearwood the current leader of DLP who came in a poor second with next most votes and 0 seats.

    As a top notch system designer, Zero* is a number that has to be handled by any competent system, instead of failing program logic and going into a infinite loop error.

    Going forward, a new Constitution for the Republic should have specific rules clarified for handling landslide victories.

    Constitutional changes could also be considered to have elections for Senators and/or compulsory/mandatory voting, as in some other countries.

    (*) Zero is the number that represents no amount or no objects. The numbers 1, 2, 3, and onwards are called natural numbers. Zero and the natural numbers together are called whole numbers. Zero is represented by the symbol “0.”

  37. John Avatar
    John

    https://nationnews.com/2024/02/13/video-senator-tricia-watson/#

    It gets funnier and funnier!!!

    The GG swears in the LOCO LOO and the LOCO LOO appoints an opposition senator who claims to want to ensure the Constitution is followed!!!!

    You cannot make this up.

    Next thing you will see is 2 members of the House of Assembly crossing the imaginary floor to take up residence with Ralphie, the LOCO LOO.

    What utter unadulterated crap.

  38. David, Blogmaster Avatar
    David, Blogmaster

    Round and round we go

    Today’s Editorial

    We’ve been here before.
    For the second time, one inevitability has followed another. The electors of Barbados hand an unprecedented mandate to a political party that shuts dissenting voices out of Parliament.
    Then, shortly after the honeymoon period ends, a lawmaker spies a vacant constitutional post (the Leader of the Opposition is a part of the governance structure of our adversarial parliamentary system and as such is an official part of our Government).
    The lone dissenter becomes the leader of a one-person party, like some parliamentary black sheep, seeking comfort in the bosom of a pair of senate colleagues. They are sincere, earnest and passionate and we do not doubt their forthrightness.
    But as Mark Twain reputedly observed: “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes”.
    So, as we asked of the previous occupant of the chair, we do so now of the latest maverick: What besides your personal fortunes will you change?
    We ask this now of Senior Counsel Ralph Thorne. We know citizen Thorne and he is an honourable man. As an advocate on Coleridge Street, he has proven himself determined to seek justice for his clients in the tradition of our very best barristers. We do not buy his declaration that democracy is in any greater peril than it has ever been under the powerful gravitational pull of a single political force called the Prime Minister of Barbados. ‘Twas ever thus.
    We have the benefit of a long historical memory to observe that dissent in Barbados is as traditional as macaroni pie. Nobody pays taxes for Bajans’ mouths. Witness the violent disagreement between the Young Turks of the Barbados Labour Party who squirmed for three years under the leviathan will of Sir Grantley Adams that led to them forming the Democratic Labour Party. So it will not be any of today’s 30 men and women, whether a lowly backbencher, minister, or the First Among Equals who will pose any threat to Barbadian democracy that our ancestors toiled, fought, bled, cried and died for.
    For democracy is a consent thing: we are only governed and live in “a nation of laws, not of men” (or women) to the extent that we so agree. The customs officer at the port, the civil servant at the till, the police officer at the traffic stop, the sailor on the high seas – and the elector with his pencil and ballot paper – only when we the people of this nation give up our long-cherished democratic ideals that democracy will be wiped from the face of the nation.
    In every age of our modern political life, there has been dissent and fracture and departure by individuals claiming to act on their conscience. At no point in our young political history do we count these individuals as traitors to their country. Yet, even as they blast their erstwhile leader, declaring that the emperor wore no clothes, history does not record a fate befalling them as elsewhere in our mad, bad and terrible world. Democracy lives here. None other than Barbadians lose the power of dissent by agreeing en masse to stifle disagreement among themselves.
    We submit that on two occasions in our recent history, the people have engaged in popular contests rather than the solemn exercise of the cherished vote. They have dabbled more times than we care to count with hero worship, personality cults and tribalism. We get what we vote for.
    Now we find ourselves so desperate for a voice – any voice – other than the elaborate echo chamber that we created ballot by ballot that each act of defiance is lionised as a latterday David against a Goliath, both entirely of our own making. For the same citizens who disdain every utterance of disagreement, respectful or otherwise, in their own midst, who colour every statement in one of only two tribal flavours, will cheer on members of a political class to speak while they hush others into silence.
    Ironically, one of Thorne’s assignments by the government he formerly embraced was an appraisal of our local governance structure.
    What now will happen to all that work paid for by the taxpayer? What did his review yield of the inordinate influence of political parties in our governance structure?
    It would be even more ironic if the government, whose super-majority remains untouched by the latest episode of musical chairs, includes in its legislative and constitutional changes measures to prevent crossing the floor.
    The very same Westminster system that is the favourite whipping boy for our politicians is used to spectacular effect at each available moment. What is often left out of the anti-Westminster diatribe is the fact that by convention – in our case legislated by a constitution – political parties have no place in our Parliament. Thorne was elected by the majority of the people of Christ Church South to represent all of them, not a private member’s club, secret society or tribe.
    If Thorne means to be a force for political good – and again, we do not for a moment doubt his sincerity or question his motive – then he must use his position to take his one-man commission on local governance to the people in another form. That his former political master sought to introduce other figures in his constituency triggering his self-imposed exile from the people of Christ Church South is not an act that imperils democracy. From what we can observe, only his ego was bashed. The system that brought him to face the electorate twice for one political party, allowed his sudden and unexplained switch to another and his final entry into the House 15 years later on the long coattails of a party leader, is the same system that anointed and now disappointed him.
    We expect, then, as he attempts to take the high road and the long view for the benefit of the people, that the Opposition Leader will begin to garner support for a change of political culture in which a leader determines who is a candidate for elections where there is no established primary process, determines who will join him or her in the executive and the upper chamber, has sole discretion over when the voters exercise the franchise except on a date known only to them and the absence of oversight and accountability in more beyond public accounts – all these and frightfully more are subjects for Thorne’s expected thoughtful, serious-minded examination.
    He – and the 29 he leaves to one side – should not, however, be under any illusion as to who wields true power in this country – if only they who wield it seem occasionally to forget.

    Source: Barbados Today

  39. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    Congratulations to the leader of the “opposition”, a creation of our Supreme Leader. You and your people are doing a marvellous job. At the next election, with all these shades of red, voters are definitely not going to choose the blue colour.

    “Democracy does not mean pluralism, but the unity of the people and the state.” (Tron, First Lesson on the New Order)

  40. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    The above article comes from a collective mind no different than its past or others like the NYT.

    One question. How can these people continue to assume that Barbados is an island in which only internal or its historical meanings always make sense, from which there can never be departures, even for external forces which never seem to factor within their calculations.

    There’s also a saying somewhere that the present is not always a carbon copy of past.

  41. John Avatar
    John

    This is how a Banana Republic becomes a shithole country!!

    These people are mad or can’t read!!

  42. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    You can see how Governments fail the people

    Take Barbados as an example
    ± 300,000 people represented by 51 Seats
    + Government disproportionately concentrates on the minority wealthy interests
    (they inherited a legacy system that was for interests of 1 monarch/nation)

    US is even more out of control
    332,000,000 hijacked by one madman

  43. David Avatar
    David

    Just like that we see the reemergence of the DLP. The duopoly is doing all it can to stay relevant. It will not be denied.

    Thorne’s next move

    Opposition Leader ‘poised to join’ Dems

    by COLVILLE MOUNSEY colvillemounsey@nationnews.com

    PLANS ARE IN MOTION for Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne to rejoin the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) setting him up to be the political leader of the party founded by this country’s Father of Independence Errol Barrow.

    Well-placed sources have informed the DAILY NATION that meetings took place between Thorne and some members of the DLP executive as recently as yesterday at the party’s headquarters, with the actual application for membership slated to be submitted before the end of the week.

    When contacted Thorne would only state: “I had a meeting with an old friend.” Equally tight-lipped was DLP president Dr Ronnie Yearwood, who said he was not commenting. General secretary of the DLP Steve Blackett also declined to comment.

    Foregone conclusion

    However, senior member of the party and former Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy said he was made aware that talks between the Opposition Leader and some members of the DLP had begun, and the transition was likely now a foregone conclusion.

    “I can tell you that I support his membership as does the president, based on what he said on Sunday when he clearly stated that there is a place for Mr Thorne. We must find that place and allow him to flourish. As Leader of the Opposition, he will not just be any ordinary member and we must embrace him and treat him accordingly. My information is that there was a meeting as recently as this morning. I was not in the meeting, but I can only assume that they were discussing the final details,” Sealy said.

    Upon completion of Thorne’s application process, being the sole member of the party’s Parliamentary group, he would immediately take up the role of political leader of the party.

    It would also mean that the position of president will be reduced to an administrative function.

    According to section 50 (h) of the DLP’s constitution: “The Political Leader is the person who commands the support of the majority of members of the Parliamentary Group in the House of Assembly.”

    Section 50 (g) goes into greater detail about the scope of authority which the political leader and chairman of the Parliamentary group possesses.

    It states: “The following matters shall be reserved for the consideration and decision of the Parliamentary Group: (i) the election of a Political Leader; (ii) the procedure governing its meetings; (iii) the Parliamentary position of the Party on any issue, matter, policy, law, regulation, resolution, motion or selection before the House of Assembly and Senate, subject to consultation where appropriate, with the General Council; (iv) any other matter which, subject to this Constitution, the Political Leader determines.”

    Simple process

    Sealy said he does not foresee any challenges with Thorne’s membership as the process has always been quite simple.

    “The party admits people all the time and as far as I know they do not put any conditions on these applications. They just fill in a form and pay the admission. We have already made it clear that there is a place for him and therefore we must find that place,” he said.

    Last Friday, Thorne, who is the Member of Parliament for Christ Church South, severed ties with the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP), having ran on their ticket in the 2018 and 2022 general elections.

    When Thorne was sworn in as Opposition Leader on Monday, he made clear his willingness to become a member of a mass base political party. He has since appointed attorney Tricia Watson and businessman Ryan Walters as Opposition Senators, two members of the DLP.

    Source: Nation

  44. David Avatar
    David

    The old guard has come out to support. There is a sense Thorne will be able to rally the old guard to support a new path in a way Yearwood has struggled to do.

    Lashley: DLP should seize opportunity

    by ANTOINETTE CONNELL

    antoinetteconnell@nationnews. com

    THE DEMOCRATIC LABOUR PARTY (DLP) should be using the presence of two of its members in the Senate Chamber to put its ideas and alternative agenda to the public.

    That is the view of former Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley, who was reacting to news that new Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne had selected DLP members Tricia Watson and Ryan Walters to serve as Opposition Senators.

    Alternative

    This followed former Barbados Labour Party (BLP) backbencher Thorne’s crossing the floor over the weekend to be sworn in as Leader of the Opposition on Monday and giving his maiden speech in the House of Assembly on Tuesday.

    “Having two of its members in the Senate ought to be seen as an opportunity for the DLP to place its ideas and alternative agenda before Parliament whenever it sits,” Lashley said yesterday.

    “Making bland statements such as ‘they don’t speak for the DLP’, which does not now have a seat in Parliament, is a reminder of being disconnected and disengaged from reality.

    “Rather, a more sensible approach would be to ensure that these two new senators are given as much assistance as possible as they carry out their work in the Senate.”

    Lashley said he held the view from the onset that if ever the DLP got a presence in the Senate, “then we should grasp it with both hands”.

    “It’s irrelevant how the opportunity comes. Will this be another missed opportunity? On two previous occasions the DLP ill-advisably spurned opportunities to have a presence in the Senate. The views echoed then by two persons speaking for the party were criticised by me because they displayed a very narrow view of how the party should be repositioned,” Lashley said.

    The party did not have any voice in Parliament, he said, and therefore the opportunity for the DLP’s voice to be heard there should be taken.

    “So while the DLP has not itself created the current configuration of the present Parliament, we have to reform our view of how we will be relevant to today’s politics. We must quickly get on board or be left behind. A word to the wise is enough,” the attorney added, while wishing Thorne, Walters and Watson well.

    Locked out

    The DLP was locked out of any of the 30 parliamentary seats in the General Elections of 2018 and 2022. There was initial public discussion on the Government’s proposal to offer the party with the highest showing in the election the two parliamentary seats. However, that became null and void when backbencher Bishop Joseph Atherley switched sides a week after the 2018 clean sweep and became Opposition Leader.

    After the BLP’s repeat clean sweep in 2022, the President appointed two senators, after there was again no Opposition Leader. Two years later Thorne crossed and made his selection over the weekend.


    Source: Nation

  45. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    “The Political Leader is the person who commands the support of the majority of members of the Parliamentary Group in the House of Assembly.”

    A Conundrum
    (a confusing and difficult problem or question).
    Thorne is the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament,
    But there is no Opposition in Parliament.

    SNAFU*
    The DLP band are a motley** bunch of punk rockers

    (*) a situation marked by errors or confusion : muddle;
    SNAFU is an acronym that is widely used to stand for the sarcastic expression Situation normal: all fucked up. It is a well-known example of military acronym slang. It is sometimes bowdlerized to “all fouled up” or similar. It means that the situation is bad, but that this is a normal state of affairs.
    (**) incongruously varied in appearance or character; disparate.

    The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle
    Sex Pistols

    [Verse 1]
    People said we couldn’t play
    They called us foul-mouthed yobs
    But the only notes that really count
    Are the ones that come in wads
    They all drowned when the air turned blue
    Cause we didn’t give a toss
    Filthy lucre, isn’t nothing new
    But we all get cash from the chaos

    [Chorus]
    The time is right to do it now
    The greatest rock and roll swindle
    The time is right to do it now

    [Verse 2]
    E.M.I. said you are out of hand
    And they gave us the boot
    But they couldn’t sack us, just like that
    Without giving us the loot
    Thank you kindly A & M
    They said we were out of bounds
    But that isn’t bad for two weeks work
    And 75,000 pounds

    [Chorus] [x2]

    [Verse 3]
    I just want to play with my band
    Are you good enough for me
    Hiya boys I’m the chosen one
    Can’t you fucking see
    I’m a jealous god and I want everything
    And I love you with a knife
    I’ll take you, if you’re ready for me
    And I’ll give you my life

    [Chorus]

    [Outro]
    The time is right for Nickey’s Special
    The greatest rock and roll star
    The time is right for me now
    I kill
    Elvis Presley died in 1959
    Chuck Berry you’re a big ugly fucker
    Ian Dury Cockney Fraud
    Mick Jagger white nigga
    Bob Dylan got a parking ticket stuck to his arsehole
    David Bowie you are a bloody cunt
    Malcolm Mc
    Rod Stewart‘s got a luggage label tied to his tonsils
    Elton John hair transplant
    Sid Vicious Rock and Roll Cliché
    Paul Cook bare bones
    Johnny Rotten-ah his days are even numbered
    Rock and roll swindle
    Swindle
    It’s a swindle!

    People said we couldn’t play
    They called us foul-mothed yobs
    But the only notes that really count
    Are the ones that come in wads
    They all drowned when the air turned blue
    ’cause we didn’t give a toss
    Filthy lucre, ain’t nothing new
    But we all get cash from the chaos
    The time is right to do it now
    The greatest rock’n’roll swindle

    Friggin’ in the Riggin’
    Sex Pistols

    Friggin’ in the Riggin’ describes life on a ship, and all the sexual acts that go on through the eyes of the Sex Pistols. It includes dozens of references to masturbation…

    Friggin’ in the Riggin’ Lyrics
    [Verse 1]
    It was on the good ship Venus
    By Christ, you should have seen us
    The figurehead was a whore in bed
    And the mast, a mammoth penis
    The Captain of this lugger
    He was a dirty bugger
    He wasn’t fit to shovel shit
    From one place to another

    [Chorus]
    Frigging in the rigging
    Frigging in the rigging
    Frigging in the rigging
    There was fuck all else to do

    [Verse 2]
    Captain’s name was Morgan
    By Christ, he was a gorgon
    Ten times a day sweet tunes he’d play
    With his fucking organ
    The first mate’s name was Cooper
    By Christ, he was a trooper
    He jerked and jerked until he worked
    Himself into a stupor

    [Chorus]

    [Verse 3]
    The second mate was Andy
    By Christ, he had a dandy
    Till they crushed his cock on a jagged rock
    For cumming in the brandy
    The cabin boy was Flipper
    He was a fucking nipper
    He stuffed his ass with broken glass
    And circumcised the skipper

    [Chorus]

    [Verse 4]
    The Captain’s wife was Mabel
    To fuck, she wasn’t able
    So the dirty shits, they nailed her tits
    Across the barroom table
    The Captain had a daughter
    Who fell in deep sea water
    And by her squeals we knew the eels
    Had found her sexual quarters

    [Chorus]

  46. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Well, in relationship to the two articles above, Thorne seems to have moved overnight from atomization to the head of a DLP, largely seen as dead.

    However, his chances of infusing it with life, though an Herculean task, are vast compared with the alternative, starting a new party from scratch.

    This reenforcement of duopoly will not be materially different than the current, essentially, one-party statism still. Indeed, from Barrow on, there has been no philosophical only personality differentials.

    What separates Thorne from the Mandarines leading the DLP since Barrow are personality traits with almost all of them lacked, including courage.

    And Thorne has been long known to have little patience with these types.

    Knowing the actors, we will soon be expecting fissures to emerge. For Thorne seems to be a personality, who dislikes bureaucratic functions, paying homage to old heads, the culture of subservience endemic within.

    Let’s see how Thorne goes about infusing life into the dead. Not only the DLP but the decadent political culture as well.

  47. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    reminiscing…
    indulging in and enjoyable recollection of past events…

    I remember when…
    DLP were in power
    Let’s all go back in time
    for a 2008 to 2018 rerun

    Back 2 The Party
    Tell me now
    We taking it back yeah
    Way back
    Block party
    Back in time
    Jam y’all know what I’m talking about huh

    Relax your mind set your conscience free
    You’re not rocking to The Sounds of D L and P
    Back to party
    Back to the fever
    Back to the roof top
    Show stopping money
    We pulling up in the new drop
    Doing the dougie to the bar for a few shots
    World going up again parties on every block
    Taking it back and you know we ready
    Summertime hot night sounds of the city

    No more lockdown throw the confetti time to flex
    Yeah I’m petty
    Dance bounce rollerskate and
    Please grow up
    Y’all too old to hate

    I control my fate
    Cut my own check
    Yeah I control my cake
    Back to the party

    Taking it back
    Taking it back
    Taking it back
    When people partied

    Big Tap respect is in order
    Take you back to the days when the Latin quarters
    Used to pop off the whole city was lit
    Don P filled my glass
    Not cris
    The DJ’s only spinning the hot shit

    DLP still continue to drop hits
    Ladies say ouuuuu
    Fellas say hooooo
    Now we’re here 20-24
    Let’s go
    Hands in the air
    It’s a brand new year
    Ain’t you tired of the tears and living and fear
    I promise you we about to go up and stay there
    If you come to party let me hear you say hell yeah
    From the dance floor to the lobby
    We gon’ take it back to the party
    Yeah yeah we going to take it back

  48. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ David, the Blogmaster:
    (Quote):
    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.
    (Unquote).
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    What ‘People’s Assemblies’ what!

    That was a mere decoy for a bone thrown to a political dog to distract it from the ministerial meat of the Attorney General post.

    Didn’t the previous DLP Administration- under the now forgotten David Thompson- undertake a similar exercise in futility and pork-barrel politics to the detriment of the taxpayer’s purse?

    Why the taxpayers in Barbados would want to duplicate the existing level of national incompetence and financial waste which the Auditor General nauseatingly highlights in his annual reports?

    Why the pressing need for such duplication in an ever-increasing Digital Age with a declining population in a 2×3 island?

    Isn’t the setting-up of a national Call Centre the requisite panacea to handle the problems of citizens?

  49. David Avatar
    David

    Thorne move likely today

    All eyes will be on the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) headquarters at George Street, St Michael, from today.

    It is expected that Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne will be taking in his correspondence requesting membership to the party of which he was once a member.

    It is understood that letter may be delivered as early as today.

    A senior member of the party told the Weekend Nation last night that once the letter was delivered, the executive would be notified, after which the application would be taken to a vote.

    Since Thorne crossed the floor last Friday, which subsequently saw him choosing his picks for the Senate, there has been a series of meetings with various members of the party.

    While Thorne was sworn in by President The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason on Monday, DLP members Tricia Watson and Ryan Walters were sworn in as senators the next day.

    Following that, general secretary of the party, Steve Blackett, said the views of the two new senators would not represent those of the DLP.

    Yesterday, calls to DLP president Dr Ronnie Yearwood went unanswered. Efforts to reach Blackett also proved futile.

    If Thorne’s application is approved and he is welcomed within the bosom of the party, as the sole member of its parliamentary group, he would immediately take up the role of political leader of the party.

    According to Section 50 (h) of the DLP’s constitution: “The political leader is the person who commands the support of the majority of members of the parliamentary group in the House of Assembly.”

    Section 50 (g) goes into greater detail about the scope of authority which the political leader and chairman of the parliamentary group possesses.

    It states: “The following matters shall be reserved for the consideration and decision of the parliamentary group: (i) the election of a political leader; (ii) the procedure governing its meetings; (iii) the parliamentary position of the party on any issue, matter, policy, law, regulation, resolution, motion or selection before the House of Assembly and Senate, subject to consultation where appropriate, with the General Council; (iv) any other matter which, subject to this constitution, the political leader determines.”

    Sources said that up to yesterday, Thorne, who is Member of Parliament for Christ Church South, had not submitted his letter of resignation from the Barbados Labour Party.

    (CM)

    Source: Nation

  50. David Avatar
    David

    The dis-affection of Mr Thorne

    It is possible to be in two minds about the state of contemporary Barbadian politics. If one is given to cynicism one might be inclined to see it as high comedy, tragicomedy or farce. On the other hand, if one is prone to optimism and trust, one might realise that Barbados is not a failed or failing state, that it is still a viable liberal democracy.

    The Government in fact functions, perhaps not to all our satisfactions but the country runs. The roads are being fixed, the water supply is being attended to and few could legitimately claim that the Mia Amor Mottley administration has been asleep at the wheel. I generally support the present Government on both the Cybercrime Bill and the Labour Bill. Indeed, part of the problem may be that the Government is attempting too much too quickly with insufficient indepth thought. Hence the prevalence of what a caller calls “walk-backs”.

    Ralph Thorne’s decision to leave the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and become Opposition Leader is a good thing for the Barbadian polity.

    This goes to the core of a fairly pervasive discontent with the Prime Minister and the BLP administration.

    Power

    Rightly or wrongly, that dis-affection may relate to the feeling that power and decision making are too much concentrated in the hands of one person and that in the absence of an official Opposition, and the ostensible unwillingness of members of the front bench to offer critique of Government policy, there is a trend to autocracy and that as a consequence democracy could be at risk in the future.

    Those of us who abhor autocracy in any form and cherish the democratic principle welcome any alternative voice to the Mottley/BLP monologue. Thorne’s presence in House of Assembly and two Opposition senators in the Upper House should provide a modicum of an alternative perspective. Ms Mottley and the BLP cannot be right on everything. In his maiden speech as Opposition Leader, Thorne warned about a legislative tendency to place punitive power in the hand of ministers of Government.

    At his swearing in Mr Thorne made it clear that he was at variance with some aspects of the BLP’s educational reform proposals. He expressed the view that while he saw a need for some elements of reform, the structural changes proposed by the administration were not needed.

    I would hope that Thorne was not the only member of the Barbados Parliament intelligent and informed enough to have reservations about the current reform proposals. If so, why? Are they all afraid to speak up? Some are saying that they no longer follow the debates in the House of Assembly because they have become monotonous with every member singing in sanctimonious harmony from the same hymn sheet. We say we want our schoolchildren to learn to think critically. Do we really?

    This may bring into legitimate question the nature of the leadership. Political scientists often identify three types of political leadership. One such is the authoritarian or autocratic leadership of the kind that brooks no challenge and denigrates those who do. There are, of course, varying degrees of authoritarian leadership.

    Collegial headship

    A Lee Kwan Yew is not to be confused with a Vladimir Putin. The former himself once described Singapore as “a soft authoritarian state”. The second aspect is the collegial headship that fully appreciates an honest conversation and exchange of contending points of view.

    The third is an acquiescent leadership that does not or cannot lead and attempts to accommodate all and sundry uninformed and errant opinions. Margaret Thatcher would fall into the second category and ended up in tears when she overstepped her marks and the Cabinet, some of whom she described derogatively as “wets”, let it be known they had had enough of her. One Cabinet member stated that she sometimes spoke to her colleagues in a manner that he would not speak even to his game-keeper.

    Tom Adams’ leadership can be described as “non-collegial”. This was because he had the “great combination” behind him, people whose abilities he could respect as equal to his own. Mia Amor Mottley has no such combination which could in part explain her own dominance over the Cabinet and the party. If the observation has any worth, she should take heed and not expect her colleagues to fall in line in blind obedience.

    Mr Thorne has let it be known that his dis-affection is based on principle, not on political opportunism. In an age when, as Minister Colin Jordan has said recently, trust has been eroded, I take him at his word. There are too many unprincipled people in Barbados today scrambling to reach the top of a consuming mediocracy.

    – Ralph Jemmott

    Source: Nation

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