THE DECISION to initiate constituency conferences was one that many of us did not fully understand.
However, last Sunday there could be no question of my not attending my first constituency conference for St George South.
Sometime towards the latter part of 2007 I did attend the launch of the candidate Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo for that constituency.
On that occasion, as I listened to her speaking, what came across to me was a person with great sincerity who spoke in terms that I still remember. And, I have watched her progress as a politician with considerable interest.
It may well have been a combination of several factors, including being a member of the number one gender and the fact that she chose a career of serving as an outstanding doctor before entering politics.
Politicians generally do not have the highest possible rating from the people, although there are a number of outstanding exceptions, one of whom is the current representative for St George South.
She will not make a promise she cannot keep, and sets a high standard as an effective and loyal servant of the people of St George South and Barbados. I am told that she is always available to her constituents and treats any written and verbal communications with full respect.
Last Sunday I saw an example of a constituency family functioning in a way that should be an example for any person entering politics. Much may be learned from Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo.
The cultural presentations were outstanding, including the honouring of Brother James Sisnett, who celebrated his 110th birthday, and the remarkable people’s ambassador – known and loved by all of us – the amazing Hyacinth Mapp, who enriched the evening.
I must also single out the pastor who led us in prayer, the master of ceremonies, the young lady and possible future prospective candidate who introduced Dr Esther, and in addition to all of this, a straight-from-the-shoulder, no-punches-pulled speech from Dr David Estwick, who did not fail to highlight the challenges we are going to have to face over this year – and possibly for some years to come.
I believe that Dr Estwick’s speech was overdue and necessary, particularly his commitment without further delay in honouring the 40 per cent of support for small businesses throughout Barbados. I urge the earliest implementation of this sacred promise.
However, I must single out our Acting Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, whose command of language and statesman-like status allowed him to share with the audience and the wider Barbados a presentation that will long be remembered.
I left that meeting with a sense that this Government, whatever challenges it is facing, will act at the highest level of morality and live up to the Father of Independence the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow’s mirror image speech made on May 13, 1986: our country first, not ourselves.
I believe Barbadians are particularly happy with this minister’s performance and see her as a Christian crusader for the people of St George South and Barbados.
The evening was further enriched by the song introducing Minister Esther, by her mother and the outstanding singer Kenneth Armstrong.
An additional factor to Dr Esther’s success is that she combines parentage of Barbados and Trinidad. I sense, should it be God’s will, that this remarkable politician may be headed down the same path that the recently elected prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, is well advanced along.
At the end of last Sunday’s presentation I have come firmly to the conclusion that constituency reports have enhanced our political environment, and I urge the Opposition not to hesitate to follow in this direction.
