Marsha Caddle, Chairperson of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and Member of Parliament, has robustly defended the government against accusations of sidelining public input in legislative processes. Speaking at the BLP headquarters on Roebuck Street ahead of the party’s 86th annual conference, Caddle emphasized that no previous administration has been as committed to incorporating Barbadians’ perspectives into national policy as the current Mia Mottley-led government. She highlighted the establishment of parliamentary standing committees as a testament to this commitment, ensuring that legislation is open to scrutiny by individuals, groups, and even the diaspora. Caddle’s remarks come in response to growing criticism over the government’s handling of recent bills, including the Interception of Communications Bill and the Tourist Accommodation Bill, which faced significant public backlash. Political scientist Devaron Bruce questioned the inclusivity of the consultation process, suggesting that it often favors supporters of the ruling party. However, Caddle countered that the government’s willingness to amend legislation reflects responsiveness rather than failure. She also pointed to the success of community engagement initiatives like Ideas Forums and Parish Speaks sessions as evidence of the public’s active participation in policy discussions. The theme of this year’s BLP conference, ‘When Labour Leads, We Bajans Succeed,’ underscores the party’s focus on inclusive governance and national progress.