Walcott declines

Citing a desire for unity, Senator Jerome Walcott declined nomination for a third straight term as chairman of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), in favour of party leader Mia Mottley.
Walcott’s candidacy had been proposed by three constituency branches.
“These are difficult times for our country and our political leader has expressed a desire to be party chairman,” Walcott said as he addressed the opening of the BLP’s 75th anniversary conference at the St George Secondary School yesterday.
“In these circumstances, and recognizing the importance for us to face our common foe as a strong and united party, I have declined the nomination for chairman and have accepted the nomination for general secretary.”
Walcott, who served as chairman for two years, said that the BLP would continue to be a force to be reckoned with only “if we move forward together as one, with one leader and with all members respecting and honouring the laws and operating practices of the party”. (SP)