#BTColumn – The race is on

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today Inc.

by Guy Hewitt

I am thankful to the members of the St John Branch of the Democratic Labour Party for formally nominating me for President of our belovèd Party. I also thank all those who voted for me at the other Annual General Meetings.
The recent close vote tallies and unsecured nominations speak to the desire for change.

I see this is a significant moment for the democratic tradition upon which our great Party was founded and a step towards restoring the long and important tradition of a two-party political system that has been a guardian of Barbados’ democracy.

I want to thank the New Dawn team who are working tirelessly to advance my candidature towards rebuilding the DLP as an effective political organisation. As I have stated, this journey is not about me or even the DLP but about ‘all ah we’ as Bajans. It is a struggle to regain the soul of our nation.

As I reach out to my fellow Barbadians, my goal is not simply to make the case for my candidature but to affirm the causes of moral rearming, social cohesion and economic justice.

I am asking you to join me in a renewal of our commitment to a fair and lasting stability and prosperity that can put Barbados back onto a path to progress.

There are serious issues before us as a country which the Democratic Labour Party has stood for in our long and resolute history. We have always sought the cause of the average man and woman and tried to provide opportunities for their advancement. The cause of everyday people defines our values, refines our policies, and refreshes our faith.

I speak out of a deep belief in the ideals of the DLP and in the potential of our Party and its leadership to make a difference.

And I speak out of a deep trust in our capacity to unite in a common vision to mend the deep tears in our social fabric and the moral decay taking place around us, while also healing the divisions in our Party.

We must not permit the current BLP regime propaganda of being the people’s party to persist, especially when we know that their current tax policies provide solace to corporate, particularly foreign elites rather that help the average man and woman.

The current regime and the past DLP administration both faced serve economic crises; the current one due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the previous one by the global financial recession.

The country is aware that we cannot solve problems by throwing money at them, but it is also correct that we dare not throw our problems onto a scrap heap of inattention, indifference or incompetence.

I recognise that each generation of Barbadians has a rendezvous with a different reality. The answers of one generation become the questions of the next but there has been guiding star in the Barbadian firmament.

It is as old as when this fair land was young, when our brave forefathers sowed the seed from which our pride was sprung.

The founding leaders of the DLP followed that star and gave meaning to our aspirations of upward and onward we shall go, inspired, exulting, free, and greater will our nation grow, in strength and unity.

Economic prosperity and a just society are part of our vision and within our grasp. I know we do not have every answer and there are questions not yet asked that are waiting for us in the recesses of the future.

There will be setbacks and sacrifices in the years ahead; but I am convinced that we as a people must be ready to give something back to our country in return for all it has given to us. I most certainly am.

Notwithstanding the uncertainty ahead, this much we can be certain of, because it is the lesson of our history: together a leader, with a dedicated team and with the support of the people can make all the difference.

Let us keep hope alive, and with faith continue to write our names on history’s page, with expectations great and be strict guardians of our heritage and firm craftsmen of our fate. In ending I need to acknowledge God’s goodness and guidance as he makes straight our paths and give thanks for Him being the people’s guide.

Guy Hewitt announced his candidature for the leadership of the DLP. He currently lives and works between Barbados and Florida and can be contacted at guyhewitt@gmail.com