Amid mounting speculation regarding a potential early general election in Barbados, the opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has asserted its comprehensive preparedness while casting doubt on the governing Barbados Labour Party’s motivations and internal cohesion. Senator Andre Worrell, a prominent DLP executive council member, articulated the party’s position during a Monday address, challenging the rationale behind another snap election.
Senator Worrell emphasized the DLP’s operational readiness, stating, “When the election is called, the party will be ready. We are not panicking about it. We are ready to face an election, and I believe Barbados is prepared for political transformation.” He further questioned the governing party’s urgency, referencing the previous early election’s consequences: “If a government claims such exemplary performance, why expedite an election? Citizens should consider this perspective—what justifies such haste? Following their last rushed election, they promptly surprised Barbadians with another International Monetary Fund agreement that resulted in widespread job losses and contract-based rehiring in state organizations.”
The senator dismissed circulating skepticism regarding DLP’s preparedness as deliberate BLP propaganda, asserting, “They’re employing this narrative to bolster government confidence, but the DLP remains thoroughly prepared and unified. We maintain consistent collaboration with our political leader and Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne.” Conversely, Worrell highlighted apparent fractures within the governing party, citing constituency-level rumors about potential candidate replacements in St Michael Central and similar attempts in St Philip North.
Detailing the DLP’s strategic approach, Worrell emphasized sustained grassroots engagement: “I prioritize listening to constituents and understanding their concerns, which provides crucial insights into constituency needs. This methodology facilitates meaningful connections, underscoring our commitment to foundational groundwork.” General Secretary Pedro Shepherd corroborated this assessment, confirming intensified constituency outreach efforts: “With election season underway, our primary focus remains canvassing across all constituencies. Every branch is being activated in anticipation of the general election. While the timing remains uncertain, our state of preparation is absolute.”