The Friends of Democracy must focus on earning the trust of Barbadians through integrity, discipline and meaningful engagement if it hopes to grow into a lasting political force, says sociologist Patricia White.
Addressing the party’s annual general meeting yesterday at Hotel Casa Grande, Oldbury, St Philip, White told members that while the movement had achieved a significant milestone by securing representation in Parliament through the appointment of party president Karina Goodridge to the Senate, the real challenge lay in converting that breakthrough into sustained public confidence.
Speaking under the theme From Baby Steps To The Historic Claiming Of Parliament Steps,
White described the moment as “evolutionary”, noting that Barbados’ political landscape had long been dominated by the traditional two-party system, making it difficult for alternative political movements to gain meaningful traction.
“For decades, the political landscape of this country has largely been shaped by a two-party tradition, deeply woven into the fabric of our national identity. Generations of Barbadians grew up believing that governance could only realistically emerge from one of two established political camps,” she said.
White argued that the appointment of Goodridge to the Senate represented more than a personal achievement, describing it as a significant moment in Barbados’ political development.
“The appointment of the president of the party to the Senate of Barbados represents more than an individual achievement. It represents a national milestone. It signals Barbados is evolving politically,” she said.
According to White, the achievement demonstrated that alternative voices could now participate meaningfully in national governance rather than remaining on the fringes of political discourse.
She said the journey had not been without challenges, including ridicule, criticism and scepticism, but maintained that meaningful political change often begins with small, determined steps.
“Progress does not only begin with giant leaps. Sometimes progress begins with baby steps, a conversation, a meeting, a small group of people gathered around a vision, a belief that Barbados could think differently, a belief that citizens deserve more participation, more accountability, more inclusion, and more innovation in national leadership,” White said.
While celebrating the party’s progress, she cautioned members against viewing Senate representation as an end in itself.
“The real question is, what will be done with that space? What will be done in that space? It must be about an occupying purpose. It must be about improving the lives of people,” White said.
She contended that Barbados was facing a series of pressing challenges, including the high cost of living, crime, youth uncertainty, mental health concerns, social inequality, climate vulnerability and growing public frustration with governance. These issues, she said, required serious policy solutions rather than political rhetoric.
Practical alternatives
White urged the party to position itself as a movement capable not only of criticising existing policies but also of proposing practical alternatives.
“This is where movements like this party have a real opportunity. We have a real opportunity here, not merely to just criticise, but to help build what is possible, not merely to oppose, but to also propose, and not merely to react, but to also lead,” she said.
She added that Barbadians were increasingly seeking leaders driven by purpose rather than personality and wanted to see tangible improvements in their quality of life, opportunities for young people, support for businesses and safer communities.
White also challenged members to uphold high standards of conduct, warning that political credibility was built not only through promises but through consistency of character and behaviour.
“The Barbadian people are watching, not only watching our fancy speeches and submissions, but our conduct,” she said, adding that trust was earned through professionalism, preparation, meaningful community engagement and a commitment to keeping promises.
She encouraged members to avoid division, ego and hostility, and instead remain focused on the broader mission of national development. White said the party’s purpose should be larger than politics itself and centred on creating opportunities for young people, strengthening institutions, treating workers fairly and empowering communities.
“If the Friends of Democracy is to continue moving forward from these baby steps that we’ve made to greater national influence, then it must build not only on political presence, but political trust,” she said.
Concluding her address, White expressed hope that the party’s entry into Parliament would ultimately be remembered as the beginning of broader political participation and a more inclusive future for Barbados.
“May this movement continue to grow in wisdom, maturity, credibility, and impact. May its members continue to serve with honour, and may all of us remain committed to advancing a Barbados that is fairer, stronger, more united, and more hopeful for generations to come,” she said.
(CLM)
