New senators signal independence, party resolve in first week of service

Barbados’ newest senators have used their first week in the upper chamber of Parliament to outline ambitious agendas, pledging to tackle crime, cost-of-living pressures and social inequality, while asserting both party unity and independence from political influence.

 

Last week, seven government and seven independent senators were sworn in at State House, six of whom are new — three on each side.

As they made their way to the Senate for their first debate on the government’s bill to amend the constitution to prohibit MPs from crossing the floor of the House of Assembly, the new senators shared their priorities and the issues they intend to champion.

 

In a show of unity, candidates and members of the Democratic Labour Party gathered in large numbers outside Parliament to support Senator Ryan Walters, who will continue to serve in the Senate.

Senator Walters expressed his readiness to engage in debate on the bill, as well as on national issues.

 

“I await to see the discourse on this very important bill, but before we do that, I just want to welcome my political colleagues here with me this morning. You can see all of us are the future of the Democratic Labour Party,” Senator Walters said.

 

“We are here as a Democratic Labour Party and not as individuals, and I’m glad that they’ve come out to support me in this first speech of the parliamentary session. I look forward to continued support from the party.”

 

Senator Walters further emphasised party unity: “This is really a signal that going forward, this is not about Ryan Walters, this is not about a one-man show. This is about a unified party of candidates who will work together in the best interests of their constituents, in the best interests of Barbados, and in the best interests of our party as well.”

 

The opposition senator also committed to active and constructive participation, combining critique with proposals for solutions that benefit Barbadians.

 

“I hope that some of these persons behind me will participate in that national debate as well, so you can expect a robust interaction from us — not only criticising but, in some instances, giving suggestions on the way forward for the citizens of Barbados,” he said.

 

Senator Walters highlighted the responsibility of senators to engage in national discourse even before formal sessions begin.

 

“I think we have a bigger responsibility now in the Senate, especially as a party that does not hold seats in the House of Assembly. You will see some pivoting away from waiting for national debate. We will have national discourse even before the Senate meets.”

 

The second opposition senator, Karina Goodridge, the leader of the Friends of Democracy, was also met by a large group of supporters at Parliament for her parliamentary debut.

Senator Goodridge made history last week as the first third-party leader to be selected as an opposition senator by the President. She pledged to continue defending the rights of the people.

 

“I did a lot of reading over the short period of time, and for sure, I will ensure that public interest is put first. That is one thing you can be assured of from me,” Senator Goodridge said.

 

The country’s third blind senator, Janeil Odle, intends to champion social policy.

“I am really strong and supportive of social policy and justice for all people so that everybody can be equal. Anything that promotes social inclusion and social equity, I am a big supporter of,” Senator Odle said.

 

Another newcomer, Senator Kamisha Benjamin, the deputy director of industrial relations in the Barbados Workers Union, pledged to advance workers’ rights as a government senator.

“I believe this is an opportunity for us to have legislation that strengthens workers’ rights,” Senator Benjamin said. “This government has been very clear on its intention for economic stability, job creation, and strengthening of institutions, and I am very excited to be part of the persons who can bring that legislation to pass.”

 

Independent Senator Mary-Ann Redman, the long-time president of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union, said she will prioritise a broad range of issues in the Senate.

“There are issues that revolve around crime and violence,” she says “There are issues that revolve around cost-of-living challenges that are definitely affected by the volatile international situation and its potential effects on our economy and society.”

 

Independent Senator Jamal Slocombe declared that he will act independently and vote according to his conscience, despite pressure from political supporters.

Senator Slocombe said: “I am concerned that, as the youngest senator in this chamber and in both houses, I have been bombarded over the last couple of days by supporters from all sides of the political divide — Barbados Labour Party, Democratic Labour Party supporters, and even third parties. It almost feels as if they are trying to instruct me on what to do.”

 

He stressed his commitment to independent thought: “I will vote for my conscience. I will do what I believe is right, what is just, and what is reasonable, and no one will be able to interfere with that responsibility, which I take very seriously.”

 

“Let me say to all and sundry, don’t call my phone trying to tell me what to do. I will do what I believe is right, and that applies to all sides of the political divide.”

(LG)