Newly ratified Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate for Christ Church South, Corey Greenidge, has vowed to fight for the rights of constituents and the issues that concern them.
This morning, Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne announced Greenidge, an attorney, would be replacing him in the riding he has represented since 2018, while he makes the switch to St John.
Greenidge spoke of the violent crime that has hit Barbados, the cost of living crisis which had shoppers keeping a close watch on the cash register when they went to buy groceries, and some of the legislation that was passed by the Barbados Labour Party.
“We hear of braggadocio economic policies that talk about debt to GDP ratio, foreign reserves, but we seldom hear of the specific pocketbook issues that touch the Barbadian people, specifically in the economic well-being,” he said.
“Barbadians in Christ Church South and all across this nation are vexed about legislation that is foisted down our throat whether we like it or not, like the tint legislation masquerading as some policy to fight crime, when we all know that it is just another way of putting economic hardship on Barbadians who now have to find hundreds of dollars to either remove and or replace tint on their vehicles and if they cannot, a legislation that imposes heavy fines upon law-abiding citizens of Barbados.
“This government, in the last two elections, enjoyed the support of the voting public, but after seven years in power, it is now evident and obvious that this government no longer concerns itself with the things that concern the people; that they have taken that broad support for granted.”
Speaking specifically to the constituents, he told them of his plans once he had walked the constituency and earned their trust.
“I will fight for your economic well-being and the things that concern your pocketbooks. I will fight for your future and the future of your children and your grandchildren.”
He said the DLP was serving notice on a government that “has become comfortable taking your constitutional rights for granted” and “not being concerned with your economic well-being”, while “willing to offer outsiders your bounty on the part of the land”.
Greenidge said he grew up in Christ Church South, raised by a single father who “passed on those virtues of hard work and discipline”. He attended Milton Lynch Primary, known as Water Street Boys’ School and spent holidays roaming Oistins, buying freshly baked bread from Skeete’s Bakery.
“But those were simpler times, those were safer times, those were times where Barbadians did not always have a lot but they had enough, and we know that those times have changed,” he said.
Thorne endorsed Greenidge and said he would work with him in the constituency. (SAT)
