A long-standing figure of Barbados’ political establishment has taken the helm of one of the country’s major political parties, following a hotly contested internal leadership vote. On Saturday night, former Cabinet Minister Dr David Estwick was officially named the president of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), after emerging victorious from the presidential election held at the party’s George Street headquarters during its 71st Annual General Conference.
Both Estwick and his opponent Stephen Lashley count among the DLP’s so-called “old guard”, a group of seasoned politicians who have held senior leadership roles in previous party administrations. During the 2010 to 2018 government led by Freundel Stuart, Estwick held two prominent ministerial positions, overseeing the Agriculture and Economic Affairs portfolios, while Lashley previously served as minister of youth, culture and sport.
When the final ballots were counted, Estwick secured a clear win with 217 votes, compared to Lashley’s 136. This result gives him the party’s official mandate to lead the DLP into the next national general election, which is constitutionally scheduled to take place by 2031.
In addition to the presidential race, the internal conference also confirmed a new leadership post for another party member: Corey Greenidge will take over as the DLP’s new general secretary. Estwick is set to deliver his first major address to party members as the newly elected president on Sunday, during the closing session of the three-day Annual General Conference.