AS A PROUD Bajan, I am absolutely aghast at the current state of politics in Barbados.
The ruling party persists in displaying a level of mediocrity never before seen in Barbadian governance, and operatives within the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) seem hell-bent on languishing in Opposition and destroying the character and best efforts of the only person capable at this time of leading them to victory.
This past week’s political drama has angered and disappointed me no end. The Dr Maria Agard affair has been the catalyst for an unleashing of vitriol and maliciousness against Mia Mottley and the ensuing silence and/or criticism from both social commentators and the BLP hierarchy is deafening indeed.
Who could be more [single-minded] as a political leader than Owen Arthur? The Prime Minister who fired Sir Richard Cheltenham, Liz Thompson and George Payne. Yes, the same George Payne who now sees it fit to join Arthur in [criticising the party’s decision]?
The Prime Minister who introduced us to the derogatory term “negrocrat”. The former Prime Minister who all of a sudden wields a moral compass, clearly forgetting and wanting us to forget his actions while in office . . . . But most significantly, the leader who has lost three consecutive outings at the polls: the St John by-election and the general elections of 2008 and 2013.
No one doubts Arthur’s intellectual acumen, but his “sour grapes” level of statesmanship since losing the 2008 election is appalling in the extreme! It is as though if he can’t lead, then he will attempt to destroy the same institution that created him politically; that gave him a chance when there was serious doubt in several quarters as to his ability.
If he can’t bat all day, he will kick down the stumps; and alleged right-minded people are actually agreeing with and applauding his actions! None of whom can boast of a comfortable majority in winning their seats last election. None of whom even registers with the national electorate as a future leader.
– ELAINE CHELTENHAM
