This year the party celebrates the country’s 45th anniversary in a significant way. The celebrations are taking place at a time when the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) can proudly acknowledge its 50th anniversary and its victory in its sixth year after formation.
In 1961, on Dec 4, the social policy revolution was authored by a number of creative and people-centred policy agendas. The people of Barbados are still reaping the benefits of free education, National Insurance and agencies like the National Housing Corporation – all products of a progressive social engineering agenda.
In this respect, Barbadians will be invited to join the DLP during its celebrations.
On Sunday the public is invited to join us in fellowship at our church service hosted by St Michael West constituency branch at 10 a.m. This service will take place at Sanctuary Empowerment Centre in Country Road. This activity will be followed by a luncheon on the grounds of the Barbados Workers’ Union.
On Tuesday, November 22, the schools will be invited to a sitting of the House of Assembly. This invitation was issued by Speaker of the House Michael Carrington. On Wednesday, November 23, from 9:30 a.m., the Errol Barrow Gallery will be transformed into an exhibit room and opened up to the public for viewing of the photos and utensils of the past.
On Thursday, November 24, the party will host Let The Men Talk, under the chairmanship of comrade Michael Carrington, at the headquarters of the DLP. The event is open to all men.
Our usual Friday lunch time lecture will be delivered by Dr Henderson Carter, a member of the department of history at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
On Monday, November 28, the Democratic League of Women will host a peace vigil to launch a United States programme that we are embracing entitled Refuse To Be A Victim. Instructor David Elcock of the National Rifle Association of the United States will be in attendance.
The objectives are:
1. To raise our voices in prayer for those persons who survived violent attacks and the dreadful ordeal of burglaries and theft.
2. To bring the public together in solidarity to demonstrate our strong objection to all forms of violence.
Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite will be the featured speaker.
Senator Rev. David Durant will lead us in prayer.
Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner and the director of the National Task Force on Crime, Cheryl Willoughby, will also deliver addresses. Men and women are asked to wear white shirts and tops and bring a candle.
The week ends with a members only activity on Tuesday, November 29, the eve of Independence, with the DLP’s inaugural Independence Gala and Award Reception on the lawns of Ilaro Court. This event is a “Thank You” event and is intended to honour our rank and file and salt of the earth party members who have stayed the course. The awards will be all named after prime ministers and pay tribute to the founders.
We implore members, friends, supporters and well-wishers to contact headquarters for more information.