Enter Chad Jason Blackman.
The 42-year-old Member of Parliament, in his maiden speech in the House of Assembly yesterday, expressed gratitude and outlined a bold vision for service to his constituents in St James North, along with national development.
In a brief, but moving and heartfelt first address, the newly elected MP began by humbly thanking God and the constituents of St James North, who elected him, with an overwhelming 84 per cent of the vote in the May 21 by-election.
With his parents, family, friends, and local supporters present in the Public Gallery, he acknowledged their unwavering support, making special mention of children from Gordon Greenidge Primary, St Albans Primary, Shirley Chisholm Primary – his alma mater – and the Christ Church Foundation School.
Public service
“This is certainly the finest and proudest moment in my life,” he declared.
“To be able to represent my fellow man in my nation, and for them to reporse such a significant level of confidence in me, I’m humbled.”
The MP once again extended heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, whom he credited for nurturing his political development over two decades and for instilling in him the value of public service.
It was Mottley who called for Blackman to return to Barbados a little over a year ago, pulling him from diplomatic duty in Geneva, Switzerland.
He also expressed gratitude to the Deputy Prime Minister, Santia Bradshaw, the campaign manager and MP for St Michael South East, and members of the Barbados Labour Party for their mentorship and collaboration
over the years.
Returning to the post of Minister of Educational Transformation, Blackman signalled his commitment to transforming Barbados’ educational system to meet modern demands and global realities.
He stressed the effort would require innovation, equity, and national pride in shaping the future of Barbadian society.
“Our generation must look ahead and forge ahead,” he said, “and ensure a society underscored by a robust education system, anchored by transformation.”
He also pledged to work across party lines to build a country not only of prosperity, but also rooted in core Barbadian values.
The MP vowed to provide “human, unwavering, relentless service” to the people of St James North and the nation at large.
“Now the work begins,” he said. “And I commit to using all of my intellect and capacity for the benefit of the people of St James North, and ultimately, for fellow citizens of this great nation, Barbados.”
(BA)
