The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has officially confirmed that Michael Lashley, the party’s best-performing candidate in the 2022 General Election and a former three-term Member of Parliament for St Philip North, will not represent it in that constituency next time around.
Instead, during a branch meeting at Alexandra School in St Peter yesterday evening, the DLP introduced first-time candidate Simon Clarke as its new standardbearer for St Philip North.
The announcement formed part of a broader unveiling, as the Dems named an additional six candidates, bringing the total number confirmed so far to 22.
Jason Phillips will carry the party’s banner in St Peter, Paul Gibson in St James Central, David Waldron will fight for St George North, Melissa Howard will stand in Christ Church West Central, and Ensley Grainger will run in St Michael East. Felicia Dujon, earlier named as the DLP’s candidate for St James North in the impending by-election, was also formally recognised among the slate.
Grim portrait
Speaking before party faithful at a northern zone meeting as part of Dujon’s campaign for the May 21 by-election, president Senator Andre Worrell said this was a powerful signal that the DLP was regaining strength and reestablishing itself as the credible alternative for a country “crying out for change”.
“This shows that the Democratic Labour Party is working. This shows that the Democratic Labour Party is serious,” Worrell declared. “We are hearing and acknowledging the call of the people of Barbados.”
He painted a grim portrait of national life under the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP), charging that ordinary Barbadians are being crushed by the high cost of living, marginalised from economic opportunities and gripped by fear due to rising crime.
Bloodline politics
The president also tore into what he described as the “bloodline politics” promoted by the BLP, urging voters to reject candidates chosen for their pedigree rather than their commitment to the people.
Worrell said the by-election would be a “referendum” on the leadership of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, contending that Barbadians are disillusioned after years of unmet promises, rising debt and increased hardship.
He urged supporters to “choose morality over money”, warning that Barbados was at a crossroads.
(CLM)
