Thorne calls on Barbadians to end BLP’s colonial-style governance 

Hundreds of Barbadians turned out at Independence Square on Sunday night to hear Democratic Labour Party (DLP) leader and St John candidate Ralph Thorne address the party’s first national rally. 

Law enforcement officials confirmed that over 400 persons were in attendance, as supporters came out in their numbers, armed with party posters and clad in the party colours of yellow and blue.

At around 11 p.m., Thorne was introduced with gospel song Walk On blazing from the speakers, prompting scores of supporters to rush forward to greet him while cheering his name and applauding. 

During his address, Thorne framed his speech around spirituality and the legacy of national hero Errol Barrow.

Focusing on social justice, he emphasised the principles of social democracy and the DLP’s vision for government intervention to support citizens through taxation. He outlined the party’s commitment to healthcare, education, pensions, public transport, and housing. 

“It is your taxes that built Queen Elizabeth Hospital…It is your taxes that provide a Transport Board…It is your taxes that made education in this country free,” Thorne said, warning that these services were under threat from current fiscal policies.

Thorne criticised the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) for what he described as regressive taxation and inequitable fiscal policies crippling the poor and middle classes. He called for progressive taxation, relief for small businesses, reduction of VAT from 17.5 per cent, and protection of pensions. 

“We understand the government’s power to tax, but taxation must be progressive and must not hurt the poor and the middle class. 

Too many children are going to school unfed. Families are forced to choose between utility bills and food. This must end.The burden of taxation is killing the poor in this country,” Thorne contended.

He also advanced the ‘Barbados First’ policy, stressing the prioritisation of local talent in key institutions, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and universities, over foreign hires. 

“This government told you that they cannot find any of your children to run the Queen Elizabeth Hospital… We are returning to colonial status under the BLP. The evidence is there,” Thorne asserted.

Urging citizens to exercise their vote in the upcoming February 11 election, Thorne framed participation as a defense against a return to colonial-style governance and warned against voter apathy. 

“Colonial life in this country under the BLP must come to an end. This is no ordinary journey to a polling booth. This is a journey to recapture and retrieve the life of this country,” he said.

Throughout the rally, Thorne repeatedly invoked his personal journey from childhood to party leader, linking his experience to the historical struggles of Barbadians under colonial rule. 

He highlighted the enduring significance of Errol Barrow’s social and political reforms, saying, “He lifted Barbados out of colonial status… gave us self-esteem… told us that we are somebody in our own country.”