TRUE TO FORM, 2015 is already shaping up to be a year of naked political warfare both within and between the two major political parties.
Barbadians have been able to compare and contrast the leadership styles of Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and Leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley as the New Year opened. There was talk of a reshuffle of portfolios by one in the public domain for the umpteenth time and an actual reshuffle of shadow portfolios by the other.
In the face of periodic public outbursts, that seem to get louder with time, by Minister of Agriculture Dr David Estwick, it was expected this time around that Stuart would have taken some action given the deliberately directed public mouthings of the minister. Stuart again ignored the substance.
In contrast, saying that she was putting her party in a stronger position, Mottley withdrew the job of Leader of Opposition Business from Kerrie Symmonds and promoted Santia Bradshaw.
Such new-found confidence may be a direct result of the unchallenged position in which she now finds herself, given the unanticipated departure of former Prime Minister Owen Arthur.
Having been given several opportunities to hold critical positions, not least that of Deputy Prime Minister, by Arthur between 1994 and 2008, Mottley is undoubtedly well prepared for political leadership. This raises the widely asked question: what could have gone so wrong between them?
The answer will hardly ever be given in public, and so one is left to wonder whether there is some connection between Mottley’s action and Symmonds’ reported loyalty to Arthur, who was quick to praise his abilities.
In contrast, Arthur’s stinging rebuke of Bradshaw, comparing her to Sarah Palin, suggests that something also went very wrong, given that he appointed her as one of the two senators in 2008. He subsequently invited her to run in St Michael South-East.
As if inspired by Arthur’s lack of confidence, Bradshaw immediately impressed by asking for an explanation from Speaker Michael Carrington about the circumstances surrounding a recent judgment and court order against him or, at the very least, his recusal from the Chair. He chose the latter and the matter has been referred to the Committee of Privileges.
In fairness, though, I should also say this matter could have been raised by any MP.
Given the confluence of events, the Stuart administration seems to be heading for some test that will ultimately require leadership of a kind that is vocal and demands action. This observation is two-pronged.
On the one hand, the Committee may be required to meet expeditiously to give their recommendations on the Speaker’s matter, which runs against the grain of its actions thus far; on the other, it is being suggested that for now on legal grounds, the Speaker is safe because his troubles arise from a civil case. However, if he acquires a criminal conviction then the provisions of the Constitution call for his resignation from the seat.
There is also a moral dimension that ought to be addressed by the Prime Minister: should a member of the highest court in the land be allowed to continue in office in the face of a High Court judgment?
Where is the Prime Minister in all of this? Will he stand for what is morally correct and request Carrington’s resignation? Will he finally show some leadership? Or will he close ranks and put party before country?
In light of the narrow majority, Stuart will be between a rock and a hard place and as is his wont, he may remain silent. In matters that are far less ticklish, Stuart has defaulted to silence.
For now, Mottley rests more comfortably in her leadership position than Stuart, who may not be able to suffer in silence as the sand in the hourglass falls at his feet. At some time, navigating through the mounting sand must become too slippery to ignore.
It is one thing to outsource the economic leadership to the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank; it is quite another to turn a blind eye to an issue that has severe implications for the moral fabric of the society.
Events at the beginning of the year seem to be lending support to the two analysts who suggested that politics would take precedence over economic issues in 2015. In light of this, the decisiveness of the Opposition leader compared with the indecision of the Prime Minister may prove to be a significant character difference that shapes the leadership contest in the political arena.
* PS: On a personal note, I would like on behalf of the family of John Richard Brandford, my father, to say a heartfelt thanks to all who called, sent cards, emailed or otherwise extended their sympathy on his recent passing.
Albert Brandford is an independent political correspondent. Email albertbrandford@nationnews.com