The Friends of Democracy intends to hold government officials accountable and keep them on their toes.
First vice chairman Ricardo Harrison gave that pledge after the group announced its plan to soon transition into a formal political party.
“We call ourselves a civic group, but in the very not-too-distant future, we shall morph into a full-fledged political party. We have already laid out the groundwork, we have our headquarters, a constitution, and we have a properly appointed committee,” Harrison said.
“Our vision is to keep the government on its toes. We recognise there is no real advocate for the average Barbadian. We’ve seen how the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has imploded and offers no real advocacy to the people of Barbados. We intend to fill that void.”
He made those comments to the Nation on Sunday evening following the party’s inaugural general conference at their 1st Avenue Bellville, St Michael headquarters.
During the conference, attorney Karina Goodridge was elected as Chairman, taking over from interim chairman Steve Blackett.
She will be supported by members of the executive committee of management, which includes Harrison, Second Vice Chairman Ricardo Williams, Secretary Blackett, Treasurer Felicia Corbin, Secretary Treasurer Sandra Estwick and floor members Raymond Wiggins, Jabari Welch and Deborah Hinds.
A general committee of management was also elected. That group includes Jason Hurdle, Danielle Forte, Eleanor Blackett, Michael Turton, Paulette Drakes, Carlise Harrison, Errol Hurley, Adrian Lovell, Colin Brown, Peter Coppin and Marcia Holder.
Last year, former Barbados Labour Party Member of Parliament Ralph Thorne crossed the floor and became the DLP’s political leader.
Since then, there was a major fallout, which led to some expulsions and resignations, including that of former DLP President Dr Ronnie Yearwood and Blackett.
Recently, former DLP election candidate for the City, Kemar Stuart, announced the formation of a new political party, the New National Party. (TG)
