In a forceful address from his Hincks Street office, Democratic Labour Party Leader Ralph Thorne launched a comprehensive critique against the Mottley administration’s governance, highlighting critical institutional failures and a perceived culture of financial mismanagement. The opposition leader identified the vacant Auditor General position as particularly alarming, drawing parallels to operating a judiciary without a Chief Justice. Thorne revealed his discussions with former Auditor General Leigh Trotman prior to retirement, during which Trotman reportedly expressed serious concerns about chronic understaffing that persists despite the government’s expansive spending initiatives.
Thorne shifted scrutiny to two high-profile development projects: the Newton Enslaved Burial Ground Memorial and the adjacent National Performing Arts Centre in Christ Church. While acknowledging the aesthetic appeal of the memorial’s dome structure, he condemned the complete absence of financial transparency regarding the millions spent on these largely unused facilities. The opposition leader derisively referred to the arts center as a ‘chicken pen’ and questioned whether proper tender processes were followed for both projects designed by renowned architect David Adjaye.
The DLP leader further amplified grievances from emergency service personnel, citing petitions from police, fire, and prison officers who allege systematic favoritism in promotion practices. Thorne characterized these complaints as evidence of a broader breakdown in public service integrity, where dedicated officers witness ‘supersession occurring right under their noses’ based on preferential treatment rather than merit.