In all of post Independence politics in Barbados we have not witnessed what has been unravelling within the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) for the last six years.
It is well documented on Barbados Underground (see – DEMS now, DEMS again? what transpired at the 2024 DLP Annual Conference this weekend. For the moment Ralph Thorne has emerged as the victor at the end of the conference. One of his first acts was to announce Senator Tricia Watson will be replaced by the next sitting of the Upper House. The decision to dismiss Watson must be seen as a clear sign Thorne does not have confidence OR feels threatened by her. In the coming days and weeks more will be revealed one suspects. He also announced a Shadow Cabinet.
The job of healing must be a priority for Thorne, there continue to be deep divisions within the DLP, the cracks widened quickly with the crossing of Thorne. Those offering themselves for leadership of the DLP after the death of David Thompson lacked the personality and charisma to force ‘renegades’ to fall in line.
If we are to judge by his machiavellian approach when he made the decision to appoint two senators, one being a visible member of the DLP, declared his intention. It was his intention to come in hot. From all reports he did not collaborate or extend courtesy of discussion to the DLP Executive headed by Dr. Ronnie Yearwood and General Secretary Steve Blackett about his senate appointments. Walter Maloney – a Yearwood supporter and member of the Executive Council – recently confirmed Thorne’s decision was not well received by the Executive and sowed the seeds for the discord which followed.
In order for the meeting to proceed on the final day the caretaker leadership took the decision to generate a list of members who were allowed to entry to proceedings. How will Thorne and his team work to integrate disaffected DLP members back into the team? Could it be a hint of resolution to the long longrunning imbroglio will invigorate DLP’s base?
The behaviour of some DLP members displayed on the weekend was difficult to process for many. It reminded of the label of wild boys given to the DLP by late prime minister Owen Arthur. The substantive concern was the knowledge the DLP- the other member of the duopoly- represents the government in waiting. Bear in mind another label was ascribed to the stewardship of the DLP, the lost decade. The DLP impasse for the last six years has done nothing to lift the credibility index in the eyes of the public. With two short years or less to prepare for the next general election, it is difficult to anticipate the DLP picking up seats assuming the BLP does not suffer any unforeseen catastrophe.
One suspects there will be a period the Thorne team sets about targeting and purgeing dissidents to avoid continuing disruption to DLP business. A word of advice, Thorne should seek to control his supporters from throwing oil on the flames, it does not make sense for members of his team to be posting inflammatory comments on social media or calling the talk shows. The time has come and gone to tone down the rhetoric and vitriol.
The blogmaster extends best wishes to the DLP.
Let the healing begin.
Let true opposition politics be the order of the day.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.