Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced she will personally spearhead her party’s nationwide campaign efforts as Barbados approaches its February 11 general election. The political atmosphere intensified on Thursday as all 30 Barbados Labour Party candidates formally completed their nomination procedures by submitting the mandatory $250 deposits at the Treasury offices.
Despite maintaining a reserved posture with media representatives during the administrative formalities, Mottley revealed in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY that her approach would blend intensive local engagement with comprehensive island-wide leadership. While contesting in St Michael North East constituency, the Prime Minister emphasized her dual role requires balancing grassroots connectivity with broader party mobilization.
“My campaign team must handle local operations because my responsibilities demand presence across every parish—from St Lucy to St Philip, from St John to St James,” Mottley stated, expressing profound gratitude for her dedicated ground team.
The nomination event transformed into a vibrant political spectacle as supporters clad in the BLP’s signature red gathered outside the National Housing Corporation building, generating sustained chanting and visible enthusiasm. Mottley’s physical presence alongside all party candidates underscored her hands-on leadership style and personal investment in the campaign.
Following the completion of nominations, BLP General Secretary Jerome Walcott projected confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, citing their governance record since assuming power in 2018. “We have fulfilled the vast majority of commitments made to the Barbadian electorate despite navigating unprecedented challenges,” Walcott asserted, referencing the compound crises of hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic during their term.
Framing the upcoming election as a referendum on steady leadership during global uncertainty, Walcott emphasized: “This nation requires proven, committed leadership familiar with complex issues—not experimental governance.” The Secretary confirmed the party’s formal campaign launch would commence imminently, with initial focus on meeting Electoral Boundaries Commission requirements before publicly defending their administrative record and presenting future plans.
Amid heightened political activities, Walcott concurrently advised public health vigilance, noting increased circulation of respiratory viruses and recommending mask usage and sanitization during political gatherings and voting procedures.