TO RUN or not to run, that is the question.
Shortly after publishing a report in last week’s MIDWEEK NATION that Mara Thompson, wife of the late Prime Minister David Thompson, said she had to give some thought to requests for her to take over from her late husband as MP for St John, comments have been pouring onto THE NATION’s website and Facebook page on this issue.
Several St John residents have said Mara would be an ideal candidate for that parish, which was represented by the late Prime Minister for the past 23 years. And some not even living in the parish seemed to welcome the news that she is at least considering the move.
Some pledged full support if this was her calling, recognising it was a personal decision she had to make.
Others believed it would be a big error.
One reader said: “Follow your heart, Mrs Thompson, if you feel you can do it. I will support you all the way”.
Another simply wrote: “Run, Mara, run.”
One reader posted this. “She probably knows more about politics than the average politician in Bim. She was by her husband’s side all of his years, and is an extremely brilliant woman. I am sure she assisted him in making lots of decisions over the years.
“Lots of political wives strongly consider running for their husband’s seats after they have passed . . . . She can do it and do well. The question is how will she handle the stress of it all?”
One reader expressed a caution: “Although she would undoubtedly be elected and most likely have the seat ‘for life’, unless she knows about politics, I think it is a huge mistake.”
Readers then focused on another personality: Joey Harper.
When readers discovered only on Saturday that Harper was now an amputee, they sent out many prayers and well-wishes for him.
World Diabetes Day was celebrated yesterday, and Harper, a diabetic for 14 years, urged Barbadians to take diabetes more seriously. Many were heartened that he pledged to still continue his community work with the same vigour for which he has become known.
There were many other diabetics who threw their support behind him.
One person wrote: “I’ve been a diabetic for almost ten years and news like this saddens me. I can only wish the best for Joey and keep him in my prayers.”
Another wrote: “May the healing Hand of Jesus touch you. And I wish you much better.”
And, with Independence in the air, THE NATION appealed to its online audience to celebrate Pride Of Country.
Last week we called on Barbadians everywhere to send pictures of “old-time” things which are uniquely Bajan. Many answered the call, and stories and memories were shared about Barbados of old.
Many recalled getting their ears burnt by the hot iron comb, as well as listening to Children’s Party on the old Rediffusion box.
One reader wrote: “Thank you to the NATION staff for making Independence real again.”
Let’s continue to celebrate Pride Of Country.
