Prime Minister Mia Mottley, the political animal she is, is probably plotting how best to deflate that bubble of energy the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is befitting from the crossing of the floor by Ralph Thorne. After all a Machiavellian type of politics and leadership defines our politics.
The blogmaster is embarrassed to confess that it is the first time in many years there is the interest to follow some of the debate in the Lower House. The perceived familial arrangement when Joseph Atherley crossed the floor, coupled with a monotonous cadence of delivery did not inspire interest in a public already apathetic about the work ethic and level of integrity demonstrated by the political directorate. Compared to Thorne’s studied and sometimes acerbic interventions, it stokes flashbacks to what many perceive as key elements to good political debate. There will always be the opportunity for a courageous David to draw sympathy in a fight against Goliath.
Already we see former DLPite, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerri Symmonds and BLP ‘pitbull’ has been ‘let loose’ on Thorne. Symmonds should keep top of mind social media space is littered with his exploits as a tyre slasher and other uncomplimentary behaviour – read more. A word to the wise should be sufficient.
Two key considerations must apply should Barbadians want to pragmatically assess the current political landscape of Barbados.
- There is no plausible third party option or semblance of one. A contradictory position if we accept that quality representatives must emerge from the very citizens responsible for electing them.
- The current one party dominance post 2018 has compromised good governance of the country. This should be a concern for all Barbadians.
- If there is no third party option in the short to medium term, a logical position is to support any attempt to pump life into a struggling DLP while continuing to pursue a third party solution. This is a pragmatic view compared to being ideological and illusional.
Mottley the confirmed political animal will do what she does best, continue to exploit her station in life to extend dominance of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and self interest. The longer she feels comfortable operating in animal mode, her legacy will fall short of achieving stateswoman. Mottley’s reluctance to amend the subvention rule as one example supports the view. In this case it is not always about the money, symbolic gestures can help to trigger fit for purpose behaviours and culture.
Although Thorne stands to lose his seat when the bell is rung by Mottley, there is the period between now and then a moribund DLP – if it chooses – can use the time to clawback credibility from a cynical and apathetic electorate. In the short time Thorne has made his move it gives credence to the view that hope springs eternal.
The blogmaster expects Mottley to respond to Thorne’s demand of the news-feed in the only way she knows.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.