标签： Barbados

Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has issued a stern condemnation of the Barbados government’s initiative to privatize the state-owned bus service, drawing parallels to the failed sugar industry cooperative scheme. During a heated House of Assembly debate on amendments to the Road Traffic Act, the Christ Church South representative challenged the administration’s claims of worker enfranchisement through ownership opportunities.

Thorne recalled the 2021 sugar co-operative initiative that promised agricultural workers ownership of plantations and the Portvale mill, which ultimately collapsed without delivering on its commitments. ‘They boasted to thunderous applause that sugar industry workers would own the plantations,’ Thorne stated. ‘What is the position today? Nothing! Nil! And the same thing will happen with the Transport Board.’

The opposition leader particularly criticized the government’s approach of deciding on divestment before conducting stakeholder consultations. He raised practical concerns about the newly acquired electric buses, questioning their cost-effectiveness for individual drivers who might purchase them under the proposed privatization model.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw, who serves as Minister of Transport and Works, defended the government’s position. She emphasized that the cabinet decision merely enables discussions with stakeholders, describing the process as still being at a consultative phase. Bradshaw outlined that the envisioned ‘enfranchisement model’ aims to focus on ‘improving and modernizing this economy’ while maintaining essential services for vulnerable populations including elderly citizens and school children.

The exchange highlights growing tensions over public asset management in Barbados, with the opposition demanding greater transparency and evidence of successful worker ownership models before supporting the proposed transportation sector reforms.

Political analyst Devaron Bruce has identified the Barbados Labour Party’s (BLP) decision to replace St Michael Central MP Arthur Holder as a strategic maneuver indicating potential early general elections. The party’s selection of attorney Tyra Trotman as the replacement candidate, despite her previous affiliation with the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), suggests a significant political recalibration.

Bruce characterized the development as “curious” yet strategically coherent, noting that Trotman carries endorsements from both outgoing MP Holder and Prime Minister Mia Mottley. However, the unexpected emergence of business executive Dr. Lynette Holder as a contender has introduced complexity to the candidate selection process.

The political scientist acknowledged potential internal friction due to Trotman’s previous role as president of the Young Democrats before switching allegiances. Bruce emphasized that despite her brief DLP association, Trotman never held elected office or government membership, having distanced herself from the DLP’s political trajectory.

Bruce suggested the BLP leadership prioritizes political potential over longstanding party loyalty, potentially creating tensions among veteran members who may feel overlooked. The analyst dismissed anticipated criticism from the DLP as lacking credibility, noting that their own political leader had previously switched parties and won election twice on a BLP ticket.

The recent nomination activities across multiple constituencies, including St Thomas and St Joseph, strongly indicate impending elections. This assessment was echoed by DLP Senator Andre Worrell, who questioned the timing of candidate changes and suggested internal disunity within the governing party.

These developments reflect broader political realignments in Barbados, with parties positioning themselves for potential electoral contests through strategic candidate placements and coalition-building efforts.

The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has formally refuted allegations suggesting its senior leadership improperly influences candidate selection during contested nomination proceedings. In an official communiqué released by Chief Executive Officer Senator Patricia Parris, the party categorically denied any involvement of its Political Leader, Chairman, or General Secretary in endorsing specific candidates when multiple individuals seek nomination.

Senator Parris clarified that these three officers collectively constitute the Candidate Selection Committee, maintaining what she described as ‘scrupulous impartiality’ throughout the process. The committee ensures equitable treatment and equal opportunities for all prospective candidates when they present their credentials before relevant party branch members.

The statement emphasized that any suggestions implicating the Political Leader or other party officials in favoring particular candidates during contested nominations are fundamentally false and motivated by improper intentions. ‘Those acquainted with BLP’s operational protocols recognize that such allegations stem from falsehoods and ulterior motives,’ the release asserted.

This official rebuttal emerges against a backdrop of intensifying public discourse regarding internal party nomination mechanisms within Barbados’ political landscape. The BLP’s response signals its commitment to transparent internal democratic processes while addressing circulating misinformation about its candidate selection procedures.

In a forceful address from his Hincks Street office, Democratic Labour Party Leader Ralph Thorne launched a comprehensive critique against the Mottley administration’s governance, highlighting critical institutional failures and a perceived culture of financial mismanagement. The opposition leader identified the vacant Auditor General position as particularly alarming, drawing parallels to operating a judiciary without a Chief Justice. Thorne revealed his discussions with former Auditor General Leigh Trotman prior to retirement, during which Trotman reportedly expressed serious concerns about chronic understaffing that persists despite the government’s expansive spending initiatives.

Thorne shifted scrutiny to two high-profile development projects: the Newton Enslaved Burial Ground Memorial and the adjacent National Performing Arts Centre in Christ Church. While acknowledging the aesthetic appeal of the memorial’s dome structure, he condemned the complete absence of financial transparency regarding the millions spent on these largely unused facilities. The opposition leader derisively referred to the arts center as a ‘chicken pen’ and questioned whether proper tender processes were followed for both projects designed by renowned architect David Adjaye.

The DLP leader further amplified grievances from emergency service personnel, citing petitions from police, fire, and prison officers who allege systematic favoritism in promotion practices. Thorne characterized these complaints as evidence of a broader breakdown in public service integrity, where dedicated officers witness ‘supersession occurring right under their noses’ based on preferential treatment rather than merit.