Thank you!
Outgoing Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Member of Parliament for St Thomas, Cynthia Forde, has reflected on her long public service, while throwing her full support behind new candidate Gregory Nicholls as the party’s standard-bearer for the constituency.
Addressing a national meeting in Welchman Hall, in the central parish Wednesday night, Forde thanked residents for standing with her through six consecutive electoral victories, inclusive of a by-election (2001), describing her journey as that of “an ordinary poor little girl” from the village who was lifted by community support.
The former teacher said her gratitude extended to everyone in the constituency, including those who did not vote for her, stressing that St Thomas remained one family that must continue working together to build both the parish and Barbados.
Forde urged supporters not only to attend meetings but to turn out on polling day to back Nicholls, whom she described as “a son of the soil” who has already served the constituency well through years of grassroots work and his contributions in the Senate.
She also encouraged young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to believe in their potential. Drawing on her own experiences of poverty and leaving school without formal qualifications, Forde said education, discipline, respect for law and order and community values were critical to personal advancement.
At the same time, she expressed deep concern about rising crime and violence, calling on parents, guardians and communities to work collectively to guide and protect young people, especially young men. She said Barbados’ traditional values of respect, neighbourliness and responsibility must be reclaimed.
Forde paid tribute to late educator Lester Vaughan and other teachers and mentors in St Thomas, crediting them with shaping generations of children through free lessons, guidance and care at a time when many families struggled.
Turning to constituency issues, she acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly deteriorating roads following heavy rainfall, but said she had consistently advocated on behalf of residents with relevant ministries. She pledged to continue supporting Nicholls, including lobbying agencies, as he seeks to address infrastructure, employment and social concerns in the parish.
Forde also highlighted national initiatives under the BLP administration, including programmes for skills training, elder care and support for people with disabilities, praising Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s leadership locally and internationally.
She recalled Nicholls’ loyalty during the 2022 General Election campaign, when he filled in for her at meetings while she was in COVID-19 isolation, saying this demonstrated his commitment and reliability.
The 73-year-old stalwart called on St Thomas residents to canvass actively, mobilise neighbours and deliver their support to Nicholls on polling day, insisting that unity, respect and service to the most vulnerable must remain at the heart of the BLP’s mission. (BA)
