The Barbados Labour Party has publicly justified its campaign strategy of utilizing utility poles for political advertisements, asserting full compliance with established safety protocols despite rising concerns from the national power provider. Jerome Walcott, the party’s General Secretary and Campaign Manager, articulated this position during a media briefing at BLP headquarters on Roebuck Street, emphasizing that public safety remains paramount in their electoral operations.
Walcott detailed the party’s concerted efforts to adhere to Barbados Light & Power Company’s guidelines, specifically regarding the application of appropriate taping materials for affixing posters. He acknowledged logistical challenges, including shortages of transparent tape that have forced some branches to resort to less optimal brown alternatives. The secretary contextualized this practice within Barbados’ broader political culture, noting that utility poles have historically served as communal bulletin boards for various events and announcements.
Addressing the electric utility’s safety warnings about campaign materials creating hazards for linemen and the public—including risks of equipment damage, workplace injuries, and delayed emergency response—Walcott maintained that the BLP prioritizes regulatory compliance. He further commented on viral social media discussions regarding poster vandalism, characterizing such incidents as inherent to electoral contests while contrasting Barbados’ relatively civil campaign environment with more aggressive practices observed in other Caribbean nations like Jamaica.