Following three successive electoral defeats, Barbados’ Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has initiated a comprehensive organizational overhaul aimed at restoring public confidence and political relevance. Interim President Stephen Lashley, addressing media representatives at the party’s headquarters, outlined a strategic roadmap centered on internal restructuring and enhanced public engagement.
Lashley emphasized the party’s commitment to fundamental reassessment, stating, ‘The Democratic Labour Party has been intensely focused on re-examining its foundational principles, core purpose, and contemporary relevance. We recognize the necessity of attentively listening to Barbadian citizens to understand their expectations for the party’s transformation.’
The acting president acknowledged the electorate’s clear message, noting, ‘Barbadians have unequivocally expressed their desire for a focused, united, and purpose-driven opposition. We intend to respond to this mandate by undertaking extensive grassroots reconnection and organizational strengthening across all constituency branches.’
Concurrent with this renewal initiative, the party announced its newly constituted shadow ministry following executive council deliberations on March 24. Senator Ryan Walters, appointed as chairman of spokespersons, revealed the portfolio allocations: Corey Greenidge (Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice), Pedro Greaves (Sports and Culture), Rasheed Belgrave (Tourism and International Transport), Ian Griffith (Housing and Works), Amoy Gilding-Bourne (Agriculture and Fisheries), Quincy Jones (Education and Trade), Jason Phillips (Small Business and Entrepreneurship), Felicia Dujon (Health and Elder Affairs), Janine Butcher (Youth and Community Empowerment), with Walters assuming responsibility for Finance and Economic Affairs.
Walters characterized the appointments as preliminary, indicating plans for expanded representation: ‘Additional voices will be incorporated to enhance our communicative effectiveness. Our fundamental responsibility involves rigorous scrutiny, policy solution development, and maintaining governance accountability while ensuring continuous public representation.’
The party’s reconfigured leadership structure features Stephen Lashley as Acting President, supported by four vice presidents—Donville Inniss, Quincy Jones, Felicia Dujon, and Paul Gibson—with Pedro Shepherd as General Secretary and Gary Graham as Deputy General Secretary-Treasurer.
Lashley concluded by emphasizing the opposition’s renewed dedication to transparent stewardship: ‘Our commitment involves demonstrating not only operational capability but also unwavering unity in internal management. We will prioritize Barbadian voices in policy reformulation while maintaining honest self-assessment essential for effective governance oversight.’