The Christ Church East Central constituency has transformed into Barbados’s most fiercely contested electoral battleground, with four political factions competing for dominance in this historically marginal seat. As the February 11 polls approach, voters face a complex choice between established parties and emerging coalitions, all promising transformative development for the community.
This constituency’s political significance stems from its five-decade history as a swing district. While the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) maintained control from 1986 to 2013, the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has held the seat since 2018. The current electoral landscape features an unprecedented four-way competition involving the BLP, DLP, Friends of Democracy (FOD), and the People’s Coalition for Progress (PCP) – an alliance comprising the United Progressive Party, New National Party, and Conservative Barbados Labour Party.
Resident concerns have taken center stage in the campaign, with infrastructure deficiencies emerging as a primary issue. Community members highlight dangerous road conditions, inadequate sidewalks for schoolchildren, poor water quality, and insufficient street lighting. Melon, a long-time resident, emphasized the urgent need for pedestrian safety measures: “Children constantly risk their lives navigating Lodge Road without proper sidewalks. We need protected pathways from Broadside to Oistins Hill.”
Construction worker Matthew criticized the disparity between tourist routes and local infrastructure: “While the highway from the airport receives maintenance, our community roads remain dangerously bumpy and neglected.” Other residents cited pressing issues including rodent infestations from poor garbage disposal, insufficient speed control measures, and inadequate social support for elderly citizens.
The human dimension of these policy failures emerges through personal stories. Samuel Brown, a father of four managing health challenges, described his struggle to find suitable employment: “My illness prevents manual labor, but I still need sustainable income options.” Elderly resident Sylverton Hamblin revealed the harsh reality of pension inadequacy: “With monthly expenses exceeding my $350 pension, I depend on family support for basic necessities.”
Candidates have responded with distinct campaign approaches. BLP incumbent Ryan Straughn, who unseated veteran politician Ronald Jones in 2018, acknowledged the need for greater visibility: “Constituents recognize my work but want more personal engagement. I’m committed to enhancing communication and physical presence.”
DLP candidate Quincy Jones, whose father previously represented the area, emphasized consistent representation: “Effective governance cannot be seasonal. We need constant, dedicated engagement with community needs.” First-time candidates Dominique Yorke (FOD) and Natalie Parris (PCP) focused on grassroots issues, with Yorke prioritizing road repairs and debushing while Parris advocated for safety partnerships and youth mentorship programs.
The election outcome will likely hinge on which candidate can most effectively address the community’s practical concerns while demonstrating commitment to sustainable development in this pivotal constituency.