A followup on the DLP leadership struggle is necessary after the result decision that resulted in “the matter [being] withdrawn from the attention of the court, so going forward there will be no applications filed before the court within that particular matter. We would look to deal with the matter in another way.”
The matter withdrawn, as if we need a reminder, was to challenge the suspension of DLP President Dr Ronnie Yearwood and General Secretary Steve Blackett by the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).
All right thinking Barbadians – in the absence of a credible third party – wish the DLP will be able to resolve the issues affecting its ability to execute the role as an effective political opposition.
HOWEVER, based on rubbings coming out of George Street and man on the street there appears to be additional dissent rearing its ugly head directed at Tricia Watson – see RAT PACK blog. If ever there was a definition of ‘self destruct’ what is unravelling at George Street defines it. Why the old guard of the party would see relevance in attacking one of the few DLP members who command universal respect from the public is beyond comprehension.
The political impotence of the DLP in a post 30 to zero period gives currency to the saying, in the land of the blind the one eye man is King. There is no structured and credible political opposition being proffered which translates to Prime Minister Mia Mottley being able to govern largely unchallenged.
The model of governance practiced by Barbados, although a parody version of the Westminster System, requires an active and strident political opposition to have a chance to add value to how we govern. To those who are of the view there are other avenues outside of parliament to oppose the blogmaster must respectively disagree.
The bulk of Westminster legislative amendments are proposed by opposition parliamentarians, and the motivations behind these are explored. Many amendments are actually driven by objectives other than policy change—including seeking government explanations, and embarrassing the government. Hence it is important not to overstate ‘failure’ of such amendments. In addition, many opposition amendments go on to trigger government concessions, particularly via the House of Lords. In various ways, the opposition at Westminster is hence more influential on policy than is often assumed.
The Role of Opposition
The blogmaster has always been unhappy at the level of focus given to governance and civics matters by Barbadians. It is the antithesis to being labeled an educated people. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) doesn’t work, how many matters before the Committee of Privileges have been allowed to ‘die’ on the floor of parliament because it was prorogue? How many wild accusations were made under the cloak of parliamentary privilege on both sides and the players not held to accountable?
How can we be educated if we continue as a people to be glib about matters concerning operating with high standards in public, private and third sectors? This is what a robust governance framework is meant to undergird.
Back to the DLP – hopefully the leadership matter will be resolved at the next DLP annual general meeting scheduled for late next month. Truth be told, the blogmaster is doubtful this will occur. The old faces embroiled in the leadership struggle need to retreat and allow new faces and voices to emerge.
Are we seeing the potential of Tricia Watson to emerge like the proverbial phoenix from the ash?
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.