Hewitt uncertain about political future

Former challenger for the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) presidency Reverend Guy Hewitt has publicly conceded defeat, three days after losing his bid for the post, and has indicated that his political future is, for now, uncertain.

Incumbent Verla DePeiza retained the leadership of the party with 507 votes to Hewitt’s 295 during last weekend’s annual conference.

In a statement released to Barbados TODAY, Hewitt thanked all those who voted for him, canvassed with him and provided the financing for his New Dawn for Democracy campaign.

“I am very grateful,” he said. “What a campaign we ran. In a few months, we created unprecedented visibility, energy, and engagement around the Democratic Labour Party and, in the process, we also gave hope to those who thought that the spirit of democracy and the voice of the people had been vanquished. Hope springs eternal.

“But what a contest we faced. I didn’t anticipate going up against three adversaries – the leader of our party, the leader of our country and sections of the media.  And while I accept that politics is a contact sport, I didn’t expect the rules of fair play would have been disregarded completely. But c’est la vie.

“While the loss hurts because of the way it came about, for the sake of the unity of our party, I offer my concession. However, I will never lose my audacity of courage or stop believing in fighting for what is right.

“There is a saying in Latin, Vox populi, Vox Dei, which translates, ‘The voice of the people is the voice of God’. This non-biblical yet time-honoured democratic tradition speaks to the desire for the orderly transfer of power and authority by abiding by the will of the people. As a Christian and democrat, I subscribe to such and wish the leadership of the DLP well. I say this in all sincerity,” Hewitt added.

He, however, stated that he could not speak “definitively” about his political plans or future at this stage.

“. . . For just as the Spirit bade me go Good Friday last, I will continue to walk by faith not by sight. However, in the short-term, know that I have some personal matters to attend to and during this period I will be modulating my statements on matters of national concern, so as to allow the DLP leadership to speak with a single and, I expect, energised and amplified voice on the vision and strategy that they have for us as a party and a country.

“However, I assure you that I remain committed to our nation and the Democratic Labour Party. Regardless of where I am or what I am doing, my head and heart will always be with Barbados,” Reverend Hewitt added.