The next general election is constitutionally due in 2027. The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) won all 30 seats in 2018 and 2022. If the build up to the next general election follows the script, a third term government should be hearing the voice of a restless electorate getting louder, which should translate to winning the next government or making significant gains.

The dissenting voice of the people has been getting louder, BUT, unlike what transpired in the past, we have no political opposition that stands ready as the government in waiting. The other member of the political duopoly continues to busy itself with self destruct behaviour.

Since the 2018 general election civic minded Barbadians have become concerned at what represents democracy in Barbados. It has been awkward to observe members of the Lower House engaged in meaningless debate on one side of the divide.

The party loyalists and talking heads have been promoting an illogical argument that the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is destined to be returned to the House by the electorate. What is being ignored is the probability of an unprecedented event occurring. There is a possibility the DLP has entered terminal decline mode. The next general election will validate the thought.

When all the talking is done, that is all that shall be done. Personal ambition is what motivates these people. Nothing will change until the people of Barbados demand change. And for the people of Barbados to forcefully demand change requires that they themselves change.

Donna

In the BLP’s first term there there was an effort to ‘try ah ting’ with Bishop Joseph Atherley crossing of the floor. It checked a box, however, a political opposition without an affiliation with an established political party was doomed to be rejected by the electorate. Added to which Atherley – through no fault of his own – lacked a winning political personality.

In this second term, we are witnessing a variant of what occurred in 2018. This time around the M.P. crossing the floor has an association with an established political party BUT there are some re-entry pains to overcome with minimal collateral damage. One could surmise Thorne and his supporters did not anticipate energetic push back from Yearwood and his team. At a time parties on both sides should be hunkered down behind closed doors negotiating a win win – we are having mouthings from party supporters that serve to suck the little political capital left at George Street by Barbadians.

Without meaning to be rude, one is left to ponder the character of actors involved considering what is at stake at the national level. It should not be that difficult for decision-makers within the two main factions to do a pulse check of the level of support for Yearwood and Thorne. Why is there the need to continue to bleed the DLP reputation and in the process compromise its standing in the eyes of an electorate searching for a credible alternative?

The next days and weeks will be critical for the actors at George Street to get it right in order to erase any thought that the D in DLP stands for DEAD.