WITH David Thompson now in his final resting place, speculation is rife about who will next carry the torch for the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) in a St John by-election constitutionally due by January 20.
At least nine names have already been called, but information reaching the SUNDAY SUN suggests that no one has yet formally declared an interest in the vacant seat.
Among the names mentioned are a number of former candidates who have previously failed to secure a seat in Parliament.
These include Hartley Henry, who had said he was not interested, Leroy McClean, George Pilgrim and Irene Sandiford-Garner.Other names are Jepter Ince, Maxine McClean, Alf Padmore and Verla Depeiza.
Residents in the parish have also called on the late Prime Minister’s widow Mara to take up the baton.
When asked to give his view on a possible successor, political scientist Peter Wickham said that in deference to the former Prime Minister, a young, energetic woman might be given the nod.
“In discussions I have had with David, he has always supported quotas and though I disagreed, I know he was keen to have more women in Parliament.
“From that perspective, the DLP might pay him tribute by selecting a young woman like Verla Depeiza.”
But if not a woman, Wickham felt that the party might give serious consideration to the selection of George Pilgrim, one of the late Prime Minister’s closest friends.
“The people in St John would know George well and would identify with him since he spent much time with the Prime Minister in St John,” Wickham said.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has not given any indication as to a date for a by-election, but constitutionally it must be called by January 20, the day before Errol Barrow Day.
According to the Constitution of Barbados, 90 days may elapse after a seat is vacated and a by-election called.
Thompson, the representative of St John for the last 23 years, passed away on October 23 after a seven-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Clerk of Parliament Pedro Eastmond said that sometime on Tuesday, an address would be sent to Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands from the House of Assembly asking him to issue a writ for a by-election to be called to fill the vacancy created by Thompson’s death.
He said all this was in accordance with Section 5 (2) of the Representation of the People’s Act.Section 47, Subsection (2) of the Constitution of Barbados states: “Wherever any person vacates his seat as a member of the House of Assembly for any other reason other than a dissolution of Parliament, the Governor General shall issue a writ for the election of a member to fill the vacancy returnable within ninety days from the occurrence of the vacancy”.
The last by-election was in 2001 in St Thomas after representative Sir David Simmons was named Chief Justice.
