Pandemonium broke out at a quarterly review meeting of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) this evening after general secretary Steve Blackett moved a resolution of no-confidence in political leader Ralph Thorne.
This was preceded by a resolution of confidence in president Dr Ronnie Yearwood. Blackett said Thorne, the country’s Opposition Leader, had done nothing positive by coming to the DLP and could have stayed where he was.
One of the reasons Blackett cited was Thorne’s “endorsement” of the person who “brought the party into public ridicule” over a matter found to be invalid, making veiled reference to the no-confidence motion by member Hartley Reid against Yearwood.
“This party existed and was making good way for the past six years and we did not have a political leader. This party can exist without a political leader but it can’t exist without a president, or I dare say, a general secretary,” Blackett said.
“I will not stand idly by and allow Mister Ralph Anthony Thorne to continue to drag our party down. His presence here has brought nothing positive to this party. All it has brought to this party is confusion, destruction, turmoil and conflict.”
Addressing the media after the meeting at George Street this evening, Blackett said the matters would be brought before the Executive Council to be sent to the Grievance Committee.
Thorne later told the media it was “not one of the lawfully constituted meetings of the party”, rather an informal gathering of the members.
When asked about the no confidence motion against him, he said: “Not worthy of a response. Go in there and ask the people how they feel about it. I am not responding to that.”
The political leader said the fight was not within, but against the ruling administration.
“… there is no time and energy for internal fighting. That the mission and the purpose is to band together and fight against a Barbados Labour Party that is causing suffering in this country,” he said to agreement from those flanking him.
“My eyes are open on the people. I did not come here blind and I am not leaving here blind. My eyes are open with the people who support this party, and not only support me personally, but I think they support me because they know that I stand for truth and justice and I am never blind to truth and justice.”
Thorne crossed the floor from the Barbados Labour Party and was accepted into the DLP on February 20.
Full details in tomorrow’s Daily Nation. (SAT)
Mr. Thorne spells doom for the DLP, send him back where he came from but certainly not to the BLP. This man is a back biter and would do anything to gain power. Put this firecracker out of business before he brings more venom to your party Mr. Blackett.
What did they think would eventually happen, whn the short sitedly accepted him back to the Party, as their Political Leader, if they won the next Election as it sits now, Dr.Yearwood would not be able to become the New PM as he would not be the Leader Politically., Thorne would be.
they should have seen that before letting him back in because that gave them a seat at the Parliamentary Table.
Too late shall be their cry, the man is a lunybin.