BLP’s Holder confirms exit from elective politics, endorses Trotman as successor

Member of Parliament for St Michael Central, Arthur Holder, has confirmed that he is stepping away from elective politics and has endorsed Tyra Trotman as his replacement.

Holder made the announcement on Saturday on the sidelines of a children’s party he co-hosted with Prime Minister Mia Mottley at the National Botanical Gardens.

The BLP is expected to hold a nomination meeting on January 15 to select its candidate for the constituency ahead of the next general election.

The Barbados Labour Party parliamentary representative said his decision was guided by a broader view of leadership and stressed that his commitment to community development and national service remains unchanged.

“Leadership does not end with holding office but continues through mentorship, guidance and support for those who are willing to serve,” said Holder, the Speaker of the House of Assembly and a senior counsel.

In endorsing Trotman, he praised her vision, energy and understanding of the challenges facing St Michael Central.

“Her approach reflects a modern and grounded style of leadership that has resonated with both young people and long-standing residents. I believe St Michael Central is at a point where continuity of service must be paired with fresh perspectives, and I believe Tyra is well-positioned to take the mantle,” he said.

In response, Trotman said she “feels deeply honoured and humbled to receive the support of a veteran politician who has served with distinction”.

“His confidence in my leadership strengthens my resolve to serve with integrity.”

Trotman, an attorney-at-law, resigned as president of the Young Democrats and severed ties with the opposition Democratic Labour Party last year.

She was among those attending the children’s party, which brought together families from across St Michael, with both adults and children enjoying an afternoon of games, food and entertainment.

The political hopeful outlined a broad-based community strategy centred on family development, youth empowerment, rehabilitation, mental health support and sport.

“I came up with an umbrella initiative called ‘Hold Ferm’ – the F is for faith and family, the E for education, R for rehabilitation and M for mental health,” she said.

Expanding on the concept, she noted that while not everyone identifies as religious, there is a growing need to foster spiritual grounding and moral awareness, particularly among young people.

She emphasised that “having a moral compass, regardless of formal religious practice, helps individuals make better choices and think critically about their actions.”

Education, she said, would be a central pillar of her work, as she highlighted the challenges faced by students who fall behind academically. Trotman pointed out that private lessons are often costly and beyond the reach of many families, underscoring the importance of early intervention to prevent children from being left behind as academic demands increase globally. Strengthening these foundations, she noted, offers young people a better chance at long-term success.

On issues of crime and social behaviour, Trotman outlined a rehabilitation-focused approach involving close collaboration with law enforcement. She explained that police often have insight into individuals who may be causing disruption in communities, even if they have not been formally charged. By working with law enforcement, she hopes to identify at-risk individuals early and provide pathways for reform and rehabilitation before they become entrenched in the criminal justice system.

Sport and mental health were also identified as key priorities. Trotman acknowledged that while physical illnesses are often discussed openly, mental health challenges such as trauma and anxiety continue to carry stigma. Through plans to revive sporting and recreational activities, she expressed hope that young people would benefit not only physically but also emotionally, gaining constructive outlets for their energy. (DT)