标签： Barbados

As Barbados approaches its February 11 general election, residents of St James North express broad acceptance of the early election call while using the campaign to advocate for community-specific improvements. Constituency interviews reveal a complex landscape where political support coexists with practical demands for enhanced infrastructure and social programs.

Multiple voters acknowledged Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s prerogative in scheduling the early poll, with Marcia Jordan-Shepherd of Douglin Road noting, ‘She is the prime minister and she did what she had to do.’ This sentiment was echoed by Anderson Worrell of The Whim, who suggested the early election reflected Mottley’s political confidence despite initial surprise among some voters.

The constituency’s current representative, Barbados Labour Party’s Chad Blackman, received significant praise for his accessible leadership style and tangible accomplishments. Jordan-Shepherd credited Blackman with road repairs and housing improvements, stating, ‘Since Mr. Blackman get in here, he done a lot.’ Elderly voter Grethal Smith of Rock Dundo highlighted Blackman’s responsiveness: ‘I can call Mr. Blackman anytime. He’s gonna turn up.’

However, residents articulated specific concerns requiring attention. Safety measures dominated requests, with Jordan-Shepherd advocating for road humps and better lighting near a children’s park. Worrell, managing a local cricket club, emphasized the need for dedicated sports facilities to prevent youth from playing road tennis in dangerous areas.

Infrastructure deficiencies emerged as another priority, with several residents noting that while some road patching had occurred, comprehensive repaving remained necessary. George Thornhill of Baird’s Road raised persistent flooding issues, noting his basement had been ‘washed out again’ during recent storms.

Social programs for different demographics featured prominently in voter requests. Elderly residents sought increased opportunities for socialization and activities, while younger constituents desired structured programs like evening classes in practical skills such as hair braiding and weaving.

Candidate Blackman framed his campaign within broader developmental objectives, stating, ‘This campaign is not just about the re-election of the party, but saying to the country, how do we now move forward in our development.’ He characterized constituency leadership as being ‘the chief servant’ while expressing confidence without complacency.

The constituency has maintained strong BLP affiliations for most of the past four decades, with Blackman continuing the party’s dominance following his 2025 by-election victory. He faces challenges from Democratic Labour Party’s Charles Worrell and Steffanie Williams of Friends of Democracy in the upcoming election.

With Barbados’ general election set for February 11, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has issued an urgent nationwide appeal for voter registration verification and public support for her administration’s continuation. The Prime Minister delivered her impassioned plea during a Barbados Labour Party rally at Checker Hall, St Lucy, held on the significant national holiday of Errol Barrow Day.

Mottley outlined critical deadlines, emphasizing that citizens have until Monday to confirm their electoral registration status. She detailed a streamlined verification process: “Text ebc.gov.bb with your ID number – if registered, your name will appear immediately.” For those not appearing on the electoral list, she directed them to visit either BLP campaign offices or the Electoral and Boundaries Commission headquarters for resolution.

The BLP leader presented a stark warning against complacency: “This is not a time for persons to be lagging. When you lag, you end up outside with no control over outcomes.” She specifically addressed supporters who might assume victory without personal participation: “I don’t want to hear that you don’t need to disturb yourself. We need your vote, we need your permission – that’s what a mandate represents.”

Mottley announced an intensive 21-day national campaign alongside all 29 BLP candidates, signaling the official commencement of election activities. She offered strong endorsement for St Lucy candidate Peter Phillips, praising his resilience despite recent personal tragedies: “When you see Peter Phillips, you see Mia Mottley. He has demonstrated extraordinary commitment through tremendous personal hardship.”

While acknowledging her party’s imperfections, Mottley positioned the BLP as the optimal choice for Barbados’ future: “We have never professed perfection, but we are good for Barbados and good for you.” She requested public support to maintain governance without arrogance: “Help us remain confident but not arrogant, help us continue this mission in progress. We simply need your permission to continue leading.”

In a compelling address at the Barbados Labour Party’s rally in Checker Hall, incumbent candidate Peter Phillips reaffirmed his commitment to advancing critical infrastructure projects throughout St Lucy constituency. The BLP representative acknowledged persistent water quality issues while highlighting substantial progress achieved under his party’s leadership.

Phillips revealed that approximately 30 kilometers of water mains have been replaced across multiple communities including Rock Hall, Colleton, Crab Hill, Lowlands, and Chance Hall over the past seven years. While offering apologies for ongoing brown water concerns, the candidate contextualized the historical dimensions of the problem, noting that initial replacement initiatives began under former Prime Minister Owen Arthur in 1996 before being discontinued during the Democratic Labour Party’s administration.

The candidate presented a comprehensive portfolio of completed infrastructure achievements, emphasizing tangible deliverables over mere promises. Notable accomplishments include the comprehensive road construction connecting Crab Hill Police Station to Archers Bay, alongside the successful completion of Lowlands Road and Chance Hall Road.

Phillips further enumerated several signature developments under Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s administration, including the innovative agricultural project at Mount Poyer, the imminent opening of Hope Agricultural School, the extensive refurbishment of local post office facilities, and the establishment of a new social care center at Benthams.

Concluding with the campaign slogan “When Labour leads, St Lucy succeeds,” Phillips urged constituents to maintain confidence in the BLP’s developmental agenda, asserting that while significant work has been accomplished, additional infrastructure enhancements remain priorities for the constituency’s continued advancement.

In a powerful address during the Errol Barrow Day commemorations, Democratic Labour Party candidate Ian Griffith challenged Barbadians to transform ceremonial remembrance into tangible national action. Speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony in Checker Hall, St Lucy, the first-time political candidate emphasized that true homage to Barbados’ National Hero requires daily commitment to his foundational principles.

Griffith, standing alongside DLP political leader Ralph Thorne, articulated that national reflection must evolve beyond tradition into concrete practice, particularly during periods of economic and social difficulty. He framed the ceremony not as routine observance but as a profound ‘commitment, promise, and declaration’ to actively pursue justice, dignity, and inclusion—the cornerstones of Barrow’s leadership philosophy.

Quoting historical wisdom, Griffith reminded attendees that ‘the ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand in times of challenge and controversy.’ He pledged his solidarity with the people of St Lucy, specifically acknowledging farmers, fishermen, laborers, and church leaders who shoulder the silent burdens of community development.

The candidate presented a vision of nation-building that originates in households and local communities rather than parliamentary chambers alone. He called for a Barbados where every citizen feels they ‘belong and have a purpose’ in shaping the country’s future, emphasizing that Barrow’s legacy must live through contemporary actions that make justice real, fairness felt, and inclusion genuinely experienced.