Last month, Member of Parliament for St. James North, Edmund Hinkson, announced his decision not to seek re-election as a candidate for the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) in the upcoming general election. In his announcement, he designated Senator Chad Blackman as his successor. The majority of local political commentators have commended the BLP’s move, which is strategically timed to prepare for the constitutionally mandated general election in 2027. However, it remains uncertain whether a by-election will be held or whether Hinkson will complete his term through a managed transition.
Political commentators have lauded the BLP leadership for its apparent seamless transition to Blackman. This development has been hailed as a testament to democratic principles within the BLP. The unfolding situation bears some resemblance to the period when Mia Mottley sought political relevance within the BLP while under pressure from the late Owen Arthur. She had pledged to “democratize” the party’s operations when given the opportunity to lead.
The blogmaster will closely monitor the management of this transition by the St. James North branch and the BLP Executive. To date, there has been no public disclosure of any contentious issues regarding the matter. However, it appears that some constituents are questioning Hinkson’s representation. One cannot help but wonder if Hinkson, similar to John King, has been identified as a weak link and subsequently removed from the party’s leadership. Edmund Hinkson was dismissed from the Cabinet in 2020 under circumstances that remain unclear. It is essential to acknowledge that in our parliamentary democracy, ministers serve at the pleasure of the Prime Minister, who holds the authority to appoint and remove them.
Of greater interest to the blogmaster is the implications of Hinkson’s resignation for the political opposition, particularly the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), which is striving to reclaim its position in the local political landscape. Although St. James North is not considered a decisive constituency, there is a possibility for the DLP, albeit a slim one.
The sentiments of the general public appear to be characterized by growing discontent with the government’s handling of escalating crime rates, lawlessness, education concerns, deteriorating road conditions, and the persistent burden of the cost of living. The assertion that the situation was more dire prior to 2018 is unlikely to gain traction with the electorate. The primary concern for the voters is the absence of a viable political opposition, including from the DLP, the long-standing member of the duopoly in Barbados. Despite an attempt by Dr. Ronnie Yearwood to revitalize the DLP following two consecutive general election defeats, his efforts were thwarted when Ralph Thorne defected. The expulsion of Yearwood has contributed to a mounting negative public perception of the DLP’s capacity to manage public finances effectively. This negative sentiment will likely influence any by-election campaign that precedes the next general election.
The DLP, albeit with a long shot, and a third-party candidate as well, have the opportunity to select a nationally recognized advocate for national issues, particularly those that resonate at this juncture. The potential of such a candidate is to mobilize a protest vote. Barbadians who fall between the DLP and BLP staunch supporters are disillusioned with the current state of affairs. A protest vote for a formidable candidate to challenge the BLP candidate, presumably Chad Blackman, may serve as a means of deflating an apathetic and cynical electorate.
The blogmaster invites you to join and add value to the discussion.