With Barbados’ February 11 general election approaching, candidates from the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) are expressing strong confidence following extensive grassroots campaigning and positive voter reception across constituencies. The political hopefuls formalized their candidacies Thursday by submitting election deposits at the Treasury offices within the National Housing Corporation building on Country Road.
Both first-time contenders and returning politicians emphasized the significance of their sustained community outreach efforts, which in many cases began nearly two years before the official election announcement. Business executive Ryan Brathwaite, St Joseph constituency candidate, revealed his team has maintained active field presence for approximately 18 months. ‘Our canvassing operations have progressed exceptionally well,’ Brathwaite noted. ‘This extended timeframe has allowed us to thoroughly understand constituent needs and ensure comprehensive voter engagement.’
Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, contesting Christ Church South, characterized the prevailing electoral atmosphere as ‘decidedly positive and favorable.’ She emphasized continuous daily voter interactions, particularly in areas experiencing developmental challenges. ‘Our approach centers on collaborative problem-solving with residents through attentive listening and responsive action,’ Dr. Munro-Knight stated, affirming her commitment to sustained community representation beyond the electoral period.
For attorney Gregory Nicholls, campaigning in his native St Thomas constituency carries special significance. ‘While I’ve previously contested elections elsewhere, the experience of engaging with my home community remains unparalleled,’ Nicholls reflected. His campaign team reports vigorous momentum building across numerous neighborhoods through intensive grassroots mobilization.
Notably, attorney Tyra Trotman—among the youngest candidates nominated by major parties—has cultivated St Michael’s Central constituency connections for 19-20 months. She reported exceptionally warm receptions during door-to-door engagements, with many voters expressing enthusiasm about her potential to bring fresh perspective to representation. ‘There’s palpable excitement about potentially electing both the first female and youngest representative for this constituency,’ Trotman observed, highlighting how demographic diversity is energizing voter participation.
Across all campaigns, candidates described the democratic engagement process as both professionally humbling and profoundly exciting, particularly through intergenerational dialogues that are bringing younger voters into political participation while honoring community elders’ perspectives.