Barbadians have understandably been distracted by the badness unravelling within the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) in recent months. The internal strife means the DLP has reneged on its responsibility of being an effective political opposition. Despite several political parties registered to operate in Barbados the DLP is the only mass-based political party and an entrenched member of the duopoly. Regrettably there is no credible third solution on the political horizon although Solutions Barbados merits a footnote.
A parliamentary opposition (in a multi-party system) with an official leader of the opposition, which generally takes on an adversarial role,[12] presenting arguments against the government’s policies. In certain countries, the leader of the opposition is expected to be ready to form a government if the office of head of government becomes vacant.
Wikipedia
The point to emphasise is the criticality of a functioning opposition in the system of government practiced by Barbados. It is with good reason therefore Barbadians of the non yard fowl breed continue to be dispirited by the protracted drama playing out within the DLP. The text posted on the highjacked DLP’s website states – “We have been fighting since 1955 for a just society for all Barbadians“. It should be restated to read – we have been fighting since 2018 to perpetuate an unjust society.
A consequence of the DLP breaking its promise to the electorate has given the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) a ‘free ride’. It is no secret the BLP won ALL the seats in the last two general elections. Shutout from the Lower House a beleaguered DLP has been unable to advocate and agitate on behalf of Barbadians. Thankfully the much maligned social media has had to fill the void notwithstanding the constraints.
The Mottley led government on November 30, 2021 moved the country kicking and screaming to a republic. Three years later after the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) was established to submit a Draft Constitution Bill the effort remains outstanding. Save the excuses!
After announcing in 2022 that Barbados has not had parliamentary reform since 1971, the Cheltenham Commission on Parliamentary Reform was established. As far as the blogmaster is aware recommendations from the report have not been socialised with the public or changes introduced arising from the report. The importance of the reform becomes urgent given the near parliamentary crisis that occurred when the BLP won all the seats in 2018.
After dragging its feet to enact the Integrity in Public Life Act last year one is left to speculate how long will it take to operationalise the Integrity Commission to oversee the process. The Attorney General has been busy with the crime situation and our moribund judicial system but the Prime Minister explained the reason for a large Cabinet, many hands make light work eh?
There were several promises made by the government that are outstanding BUT the three initiatives mentioned challenge the foundation to efficiently governing ourselves. Despite a large public relations support team the public is left to speculate about the status of these and other government initiatives. Who is the ‘master, who is the servant’ in the current arrangement.
The rise of citizen journalism in Barbados has been a godsend BUT it cannot replace an effective political opposition in the House of Assembly, it can only complement.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.