The democratic labour party’s 56th annual conference has just come to an end and from all media reports, it was a massive success.
This conference under the theme, Team DLP . . . Continuing To Make People Our Priority . . . was built on the success of the high level of members’ participation.
There can be no doubt that the rank and file’s involvement in any political activity is key to testing the political pulse of the party’s life. The DLP is experiencing sound political health from all reports.
It is easy to focus on the flag bearers and party officers, however, we tend to forget the many people who sit in the audience and attend activities day in and day out – the rank and file.
Membership in any organization is a sign of faith and expectation that is placed in the machinery of the organisation. However, the machinery is activated by faces that carry responsibility and are seen as the image of that institution.
In the political party, the parliamentarian, officers, council members are the ones up front. In the recent 2011 Budgetary Proposals, our parliamentarians were described as delivering a balanced package that catered to manufacturers, tourism, energy, property owners and small business. The team is to be commended for the hard work during the period.
The policy measures were within the context of what is needed to ease the plight of a cross section of Barbadians and business owners. There can be no doubt that Minister of Finance Christopher Sinckler did his party and country proud.
In his address, Prime Minister and party leader Freundel Stuart lauded the efforts of the Police Force. He was equally quick to reassure the public sector workers that opportunities for upward mobility would not be defined in any narrow way and that experience in the service would not be frowned upon.
Our leader once again demonstrated that he has people as his priority. The public acknowledgement of hard working public servants forms party of this caring administration’s thrust to say ‘thank you’ to people.
The opening of the two new educational facilities, the new day care facility at Sharon Moravian Church and Blackman/Gollop Primary School are physical testimonies to the strong and intense focus of the DLP Government to deliver, despite harsh economic times.
We understand expectations will be high as people look to the face of the party for delivery. The past week has demonstrated that we are very much on track with continuing to make people our priority.
This Stuart-led Government must be lauded for its efforts at keeping people at the centre.
Stuart’s elevation to the office of president, unopposed, demonstrates that he has settled in and is in full control of the DLP’s flight plan. Stuart’s succession has allowed for maintenance and stability in our Government. The rank and file has embraced him and continues to support him. The turnout at the 56th annual conference spoke to those expectations and as leader he has not disappointed.
The DLP would wish to thank all those who came out and made the conference a success. The future of this party is in your hands. Today, we laud the rank and file for staying the course and sticking with the Democratic Labour Party. Thank You.
