At least two challengers have emerged for the presidency of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).
Yesterday, former minister of tourism and three-time parliamentary representative for St Michael South Central, Richard Sealy, confirmed he had accepted the nomination from that branch.
And Ryan Walters, who ran in the last election as the candidate for St Michael North West, has also thrown his hat into the ring against incumbent Dr Ronnie Yearwood.
General Secretary Steve Blackett said such challenges were good for the DLP.
“It is healthy for the institution because, at the end of the day, the brightest, best, strongest, and the most resilient will emerge. That is what is happening coming out of the contests at the branch level in terms of the annual general meetings. A few names are being thrown up and, at the end of the day, in August when the ballot papers are printed and the ballot papers are used for the voting, the rank-and-file members will decide who leads this party for the next two years.” (Nation News)
Richard Sealy (left) and Ryan Walters are both challenging for president of the Democratic Labour Party. (FILE)
This was very certain to happen.
There is a long legacy of installing someone to lead in the trouble times, only to be ousted when things look more favorable! There is actual history to support this fact.
A small hint, do you remember as far back as Branford Taitt, to more recent times Clyde Mascoll and Mrs. Depeiza! These were not heir apparent or favorites!
These are all names that led in difficult times who started the rebuilding process but succumbed to the internal opposition pressure of a more preferred candidate.
This has been my fear for Mr. Yearwood from the very outset, history, I thought he made a colossal mistake in accepting the presidency, but such is the ambition of youth!
Another important fact I considered is based on where this political party is at the moment one can clearly see they have not learnt from their mistakes.