Opposition Leader Mia Mottley says tonight’s decision of the Barbados Labour Party’s National Council to expel Christ Church West MP Dr Maria Agard was not an easy one.
However, in a detailed statement, Mottley said it had to be taken as a matter of principle. She said the action stemmed from Dr Agard’s “inappropriate” conduct and her failure to be “a team player”, following four years of stained relations between her and her branch executive in Christ Church West.
“This has not been an issue of freedom of speech or the ability to manage diverse opinions.
“This is fundamentally an issue of discipline and respect for authority and willingness to work together in an organization with other people,” said Mottley in her statement in which she thanked the Christ Church West MP for her service to the BLP.
The Opposition Leader said a process would be set in train for choosing a successor to Dr Agard, who now needs to say how she intends to proceed following her expulsion from the BLP.
Mottley also apologised to Barbadians, particularly the residents of Christ Church West, “on behalf of this party, its councils and its members” for the “unfortunate public display over the last few months”.
Following is the full text of Mottley’s statement:
“The National Council of the BLP, after hearing the charges presented and the statements from Dr Maria Agard and her attorney-at-law have determined that she should be expelled from the Party as provided for by the Constitution.
These charges, contrary to those who would seek to trivialize them, are fundamental.
At the very heart of it, they go to the respect for the authority of organs of the party, that are critical to its functioning as a mass-based political organization – in other words, the failure of Dr. Agard to recognize the legitimacy of a democratically elected branch of this party – her own branch.
They speak to the failure of Dr. Agard to be guided by the party’s Council – not to further speak to the media on this matter, so as to allow for reconciliation between herself and her branch.
They also speak to her inappropriate conduct, whether in misconstruing the facts in the media or offensive profanities posted on social media.
And finally, they speak to the failure of Dr. Agard to be a team player – and to play her part by attendance at the Annual Conference and a series of nominations in the very parish where she is the only sitting Member of Parliament for the party.
This has not been an issue of freedom of speech or the ability to manage diverse opinions.
This is fundamentally an issue of discipline and respect for authority and willingness to work together in an organization with other people.
This has not been an easy decision, nor has it been an easy route. And it is not one in which we delight.
The public has been treated to much commentary on this issue over the last few months.
At the party’s Annual Conference last month, I yet again called for genuine healing between Dr. Agard and her Christ Church West Executive Branch after four years of strained relations. I indicated then that if genuine healing was not possible, that this party has a Constitution and conventions to deal with such behaviour. I am not aware of a single attempt of Dr. Agard to reach out to her Executive and core members to stem the deterioration of her relationship with these key constituents.
It is clear, and it is the view of our National Council, that our duty as a party must always be for the greater good – the greater good of the country and the greater good of the party.
Barbados is in the grips of a worrisome social and economic crisis for the last seven years. There is a view among many that indiscipline is pervading our society at all levels. It cannot continue.
Barbadians need to have confidence in a disciplined and united organization as an alternative to the current existing Government that continues to fail the people and country in every sphere.
If we as a party do not measure up to the legitimate expectations of ordinary Barbadians in giving them hope, we will have failed them. My interest is in leading a party that can meet these basic expectations as a platform to bringing real change to Barbadians.
No institution can survive if people are not willing to work together and to respect authority – and to be guided by the Constitution that governs them. It is no different from a country – or indeed a social club or a sporting organization. Barbadians understand this intrinsically.
I have treated to this matter with a view to reconciliation, first and foremost. For once one is dealing with a breakdown of human relationships, this must always be the first option, however difficult.
If, as happens in families, the church and the workplace, reconciliation and discipline become impossible, then we must act decisively for the greater good, especially where time becomes a critical factor. Barbadians understand this.
Therefore, what some have viewed as indecisiveness has really been compassion and empathy. Decisiveness is required to quell a prison revolt. Decisiveness is required to avert an economic or public health crisis. Decisiveness is required to save people from dying or to forestall insolvency or bankruptcy of businesses. Compassion and understanding is needed to heal broken relationships.
I would like to thank Dr. Agard on behalf of the Party for her service over the years and in spite of our clear differences, to wish her well as she moves on.
I want to apologise to Barbadians, and particularly the residents of Christ Church West, on behalf of this party, its councils and its members for this unfortunate public display over the last few months that has done nothing to ease the anxieties of an already stressed people.
I would like also to thank many people, especially the elders of the party for their wise counsel in this matter.
I am confident that we will go forward with greater focus, strength and discipline.
I cannot tell you in any mass based organization that there will never be mis-steps or breaches but I can and do assure you that when they occur, I will deal with them appropriate to the circumstances. You may be confident in this assurance from the Barbados Labour Party and myself – both in Opposition and whenever given the chance by the people of this country, in Government.
To the people of Christ Church West, we assure you that there will be extensive consultation before the choice of a new candidate to run for our party in your constituency to ensure that you will benefit from the best possible representation to which you have traditionally been accustomed from those carrying the flag for the BLP since 1971 when the constituency was formed.
I look forward to meeting many of you over the next few months as we prepare ourselves for this next step.
I give Barbadians the assurance that we shall move forward my friends trusting first and foremost in the Lord and thereafter in our people as we have done for the past 77 years.
The hopes and aspirations of tens of thousands of Barbadians depend on it.
AND WE SHALL NOT FAIL YOU!” (End of Text)
Bravo Mia. Very well said…
Bravo Mia. Very well said…
That speak was nice well said good bye lady
That speak was nice well said good bye lady
Look no further, your man is right next to you. Step forward Jerome, you know you always wanted this.
Look no further, your man is right next to you. Step forward Jerome, you know you always wanted this.
Still very interesting to note that the difficulties date back four years, yet Dr. Agard was endorsed as candidate in 2013. Surely the party will accept responsibility for her and voters believing she had the party’s full support.
Some of us are thankful that Dr. Agard spoke and revealed some inconsistencies and infelicities at branch and council levels with some of the architects now demanding respect and adherence to protocols.
Then again, this looks like QC girls and QCs sparring, so I will excuse myself from the big rocks do.
This Doctor falls into the category of “EDUCATED FOOLS”.
Some people use rational thought, logic and common sense in the decision making process.
This Doctor is not one of them.
Still very interesting to note that the difficulties date back four years, yet Dr. Agard was endorsed as candidate in 2013. Surely the party will accept responsibility for her and voters believing she had the party’s full support.
Some of us are thankful that Dr. Agard spoke and revealed some inconsistencies and infelicities at branch and council levels with some of the architects now demanding respect and adherence to protocols.
Then again, this looks like QC girls and QCs sparring, so I will excuse myself from the big rocks do.
This Doctor falls into the category of “EDUCATED FOOLS”.
Some people use rational thought, logic and common sense in the decision making process.
This Doctor is not one of them.
Someone with no brain..
I apologize, this commented is on the wrong post.
Sarcasm sometimes says it best so I concur.
I prefer to sit back and watch until it’s time to vote! It’s like a box a chocolates, never know what ya going to get!
Someone with no brain..
I apologize, this commented is on the wrong post.
Sarcasm sometimes says it best so I concur.
I prefer to sit back and watch until it’s time to vote! It’s like a box a chocolates, never know what ya going to get!
Finally a decision has been made by the leader of the party. Time to move on. There is bigger fish to fry and an election to be won.
As far as I know God will make that decision not man.
Heather right one…..
Heather right on…..
Finally a decision has been made by the leader of the party. Time to move on. There is bigger fish to fry and an election to be won.
As far as I know God will make that decision not man.
Heather right one…..
Heather right on…..
Just remember we sow what we reap.
You are correct and this is reaping time for Maria.
You too will reap.
Just remember we sow what we reap.
You are correct and this is reaping time for Maria.
You too will reap.
The one who made the phone call to the leader,the one who brought his phone to the lady in charge of the process and all involved you will reap what you sowed.I was there.
The one who made the phone call to the leader,the one who brought his phone to the lady in charge of the process and all involved you will reap what you sowed.I was there.
I don’t care about Mia speech or nothing so. All I know is that it could have been avoided. Ms. Agard is too full of herself and arrogant. The political people would have much say because every thing is onesided for them. They don’t know what is going on but talking a pile of garbage. A spade would never be a spade, because for them it is about party and winning election. As for me I really don’t care about the party thing. I deal with the matter as I see it. That is right or wrong ! Ms. Agard is wrong from the begining. You can’t start wrong and get right. Believe it or not !
I don’t care about Mia speech or nothing so. All I know is that it could have been avoided. Ms. Agard is too full of herself and arrogant. The political people would have much say because every thing is onesided for them. They don’t know what is going on but talking a pile of garbage. A spade would never be a spade, because for them it is about party and winning election. As for me I really don’t care about the party thing. I deal with the matter as I see it. That is right or wrong ! Ms. Agard is wrong from the begining. You can’t start wrong and get right. Believe it or not !
When Mia was mouthing off in the public when Owen was the leader ,were was this council , the BLP is one big joke, you people think that this action would not hurt the party, would mad lord have mercy
When Mia was mouthing off in the public when Owen was the leader ,were was this council , the BLP is one big joke, you people think that this action would not hurt the party, would mad lord have mercy
Angela Thompson Branch did you also vote on the motion to suspend the Branch Meeting?
Dr. Agard reminds me of the story of the mother who went to watch her son’s passing out parade and remarked that everyone was marching out of step except her boy. Dr. Agard had a problem with every Branch Executive. Pity because I think she had the ability to make a contribution to the country, but poor judgement has been her ultimate undoing.
Angela Thompson Branch did you also vote on the motion to suspend the Branch Meeting?
Dr. Agard reminds me of the story of the mother who went to watch her son’s passing out parade and remarked that everyone was marching out of step except her boy. Dr. Agard had a problem with every Branch Executive. Pity because I think she had the ability to make a contribution to the country, but poor judgement has been her ultimate undoing.
Owen should have thank you, make sure Mia that you still control the majority vote of your parliamentary group, look out
Owen should have thank you, make sure Mia that you still control the majority vote of your parliamentary group, look out
To expelled Dr. Agard after her legal team raised some concerns with respect to the process, in my view is a gross disrespect for the law and sends a wrong message to the public. This is a political party that desirous of governing the affairs of Barbados. The kind of behaviour demonstrated shows clearly, your inability to govern this Country.
Listening to vob on the spot it was stated that Ms Agard n team removed themselves . Nowhere was it said she was expelled. Just saying. Anyway this issue should have been resolved a long time ago anyway
The nation as a paper is really getting worst. Breaking news “Agard walks out” 2 Hours later Breaking News ” Agard expelled ” Always flying to put a story out there before getting the facts. Ms Agard and her team said absolutely nothing about being expelled when I listened. It was only after the emergence of the BLP that , that was established. Can’t wait for the day we can get a reliable newsprint n not the Barbadian version of Fox
Ms King Walking out and being Expelled is two completely different things. The first story carried absolutely nothing about being expelled so please don’t try come with petty excuses that may work on stuiped ppl not me. Let me put it lil easier . If a child walks out of school before the end of classes is that the same as being expelled by the principal? Stop trying support the Nation. It prints so much inaccuracies on a daily basis it ain’t funny. Like I said our very own version of Fox
The nation came to the same conclusion as many others and myself did. Ms Agard left the meeting and her lawyers not her I will add said that there were some issues they were dissatisfied with and they removed themselves.At that point in time no one including the Nation knew of her expulsion (not including her n her team plus those inside obviously) Fine all you listened to that could not gather the whole truth because the other side of the story ( the BLP side was yet to be told) . Would not proper journalism be to then wait until the entire events of the meeting be disclosed to then state everything rather than one side only. I’m sorry I see it as unprofessional reporting as usual from the Nation. ( just a glancing blow not at you Ms King ,I wonder why Dr Agards team ain’t just say she was expelled after all they seemed to be no secrets seeing as the same lawyer spoke of a DLP case including certain similarities and Mr Kelman)
The decision was yet to be ratified and subsequently voted on. Maria and her team left the meeting before the decision was announced. I was there and you are right the Nation need decent journalist. David Ellis was on the spot and gave a more truer picture of the events even when he went back to VOB. Well done David Ellis.
The bottom line is Dr.Agard was expelled in her absence,after her legal team raised procedural concerns. The most decent and right thing was to adjourn the proceedings and try to address those procedural concerns. This is a rotten precedent set in Barbados and as a lawyer Mia should encourage her executive council to show more respect, since this is a party aspiring to run the affairs of Barbados. This is an act of lawless behaviour which would not be tolerated. As far as I see it , Natural Justice was not serve here and it will be interesting to hear what the court say.
Which part of she walked out you don’t understand. That is grounds for instant dismissal. She is not bigger than the party. She is disrespectful and obstinate.
You cant mean Michael Carrington the speaker who is bias in the house. If you are going to send Mia then you should send the fools on your side that start the argument. Michael Carrington is not someone I respect so lets not go there.
Cheryl A Rollins Many persons walked out of parliament before and it will continue. Now what is the preconditioning issue regarding this dismissal?
Myron York I think Cheryl Rollins problem is, she is more subjective in her judgement rather than objective.Her position is fuelled by her loyalty to Mia than her sense of reasoning.The issue is not the infractions but the manner of the proceedings resulting in the perversion of justice and the breach of the law of bias . This is a party that want to rule Barbados I say no way.
Gimme a freaking break. It was public information and knowledge what is defaming abut that. Are you fricking serious? Anyway the issue is not about him but the former CCW MP.
seriously now Omar the speaker has impeccable character? the fact that the court ordered him to repay funds says otherwise. the fact he was able to somehow get the funds n repay the gentleman if the only thing that saved him . so seriously now anytime someone has to take someone to court to get what is rightfully theirs that cannot really speak well of that persons character .and my statement has nothing to do with blp or dlp is straight up talk . was a blp I would say exactly samething. Wonder if the man ain’t went public and shame his ass if he would have get it by now
I would say this whole Dr Agard issue could have been handled different but what confuses me is that David Ellis said he tried to get on more than one occasion someone from the branch to speak for her and her character but all he was getting is ppl against so I really gotta ask if even you want say Mia approach was wrong well something gotta be wrong with Dr Agard attitude too.
I feel that this is a question that has to asked. Did Ms Mottley just wake up one morning and decide I don’t like Dr Agard so I going get rid of her? I don’t think so. So even if I side with Omar n say maybe the whole meeting yesterday could have probably been handled better the underlying facts are that Dr Agard had to do something out of the way to find herself having to go in front of the committee in the first place. Am I to accept she is blameless n everybody at the constituency branch just suddenly turned against her?
Danny Clarke Colombian we tried to work with that woman and she bluntly refused. She has an I in (TEAM) .People who dont live in the area obviously would have different views. The mere fact that David Ellis couldnt find anyone to speak on her behalf says a lot. Anyway this is a time for healing for CCW, we need to get on with it if we are to get these jokers out of office.
To expelled Dr. Agard after her legal team raised some concerns with respect to the process, in my view is a gross disrespect for the law and sends a wrong message to the public. This is a political party that desirous of governing the affairs of Barbados. The kind of behaviour demonstrated shows clearly, your inability to govern this Country.
Listening to vob on the spot it was stated that Ms Agard n team removed themselves . Nowhere was it said she was expelled. Just saying. Anyway this issue should have been resolved a long time ago anyway
The nation as a paper is really getting worst. Breaking news “Agard walks out” 2 Hours later Breaking News ” Agard expelled ” Always flying to put a story out there before getting the facts. Ms Agard and her team said absolutely nothing about being expelled when I listened. It was only after the emergence of the BLP that , that was established. Can’t wait for the day we can get a reliable newsprint n not the Barbadian version of Fox
Ms King Walking out and being Expelled is two completely different things. The first story carried absolutely nothing about being expelled so please don’t try come with petty excuses that may work on stuiped ppl not me. Let me put it lil easier . If a child walks out of school before the end of classes is that the same as being expelled by the principal? Stop trying support the Nation. It prints so much inaccuracies on a daily basis it ain’t funny. Like I said our very own version of Fox
The nation came to the same conclusion as many others and myself did. Ms Agard left the meeting and her lawyers not her I will add said that there were some issues they were dissatisfied with and they removed themselves.At that point in time no one including the Nation knew of her expulsion (not including her n her team plus those inside obviously) Fine all you listened to that could not gather the whole truth because the other side of the story ( the BLP side was yet to be told) . Would not proper journalism be to then wait until the entire events of the meeting be disclosed to then state everything rather than one side only. I’m sorry I see it as unprofessional reporting as usual from the Nation. ( just a glancing blow not at you Ms King ,I wonder why Dr Agards team ain’t just say she was expelled after all they seemed to be no secrets seeing as the same lawyer spoke of a DLP case including certain similarities and Mr Kelman)
The decision was yet to be ratified and subsequently voted on. Maria and her team left the meeting before the decision was announced. I was there and you are right the Nation need decent journalist. David Ellis was on the spot and gave a more truer picture of the events even when he went back to VOB. Well done David Ellis.
The bottom line is Dr.Agard was expelled in her absence,after her legal team raised procedural concerns. The most decent and right thing was to adjourn the proceedings and try to address those procedural concerns. This is a rotten precedent set in Barbados and as a lawyer Mia should encourage her executive council to show more respect, since this is a party aspiring to run the affairs of Barbados. This is an act of lawless behaviour which would not be tolerated. As far as I see it , Natural Justice was not serve here and it will be interesting to hear what the court say.
Which part of she walked out you don’t understand. That is grounds for instant dismissal. She is not bigger than the party. She is disrespectful and obstinate.
You cant mean Michael Carrington the speaker who is bias in the house. If you are going to send Mia then you should send the fools on your side that start the argument. Michael Carrington is not someone I respect so lets not go there.
Cheryl A Rollins Many persons walked out of parliament before and it will continue. Now what is the preconditioning issue regarding this dismissal?
Myron York I think Cheryl Rollins problem is, she is more subjective in her judgement rather than objective.Her position is fuelled by her loyalty to Mia than her sense of reasoning.The issue is not the infractions but the manner of the proceedings resulting in the perversion of justice and the breach of the law of bias . This is a party that want to rule Barbados I say no way.
Gimme a freaking break. It was public information and knowledge what is defaming abut that. Are you fricking serious? Anyway the issue is not about him but the former CCW MP.
seriously now Omar the speaker has impeccable character? the fact that the court ordered him to repay funds says otherwise. the fact he was able to somehow get the funds n repay the gentleman if the only thing that saved him . so seriously now anytime someone has to take someone to court to get what is rightfully theirs that cannot really speak well of that persons character .and my statement has nothing to do with blp or dlp is straight up talk . was a blp I would say exactly samething. Wonder if the man ain’t went public and shame his ass if he would have get it by now
I would say this whole Dr Agard issue could have been handled different but what confuses me is that David Ellis said he tried to get on more than one occasion someone from the branch to speak for her and her character but all he was getting is ppl against so I really gotta ask if even you want say Mia approach was wrong well something gotta be wrong with Dr Agard attitude too.
I feel that this is a question that has to asked. Did Ms Mottley just wake up one morning and decide I don’t like Dr Agard so I going get rid of her? I don’t think so. So even if I side with Omar n say maybe the whole meeting yesterday could have probably been handled better the underlying facts are that Dr Agard had to do something out of the way to find herself having to go in front of the committee in the first place. Am I to accept she is blameless n everybody at the constituency branch just suddenly turned against her?
Danny Clarke Colombian we tried to work with that woman and she bluntly refused. She has an I in (TEAM) .People who dont live in the area obviously would have different views. The mere fact that David Ellis couldnt find anyone to speak on her behalf says a lot. Anyway this is a time for healing for CCW, we need to get on with it if we are to get these jokers out of office.
She has no parliamentary group dumbo…tell the idiot that it is 4 years since she was fighting the branch long before the elections. Maria is her own greatest enemy…
She has no parliamentary group dumbo…tell the idiot that it is 4 years since she was fighting the branch long before the elections. Maria is her own greatest enemy…
Heather Cole it seems you have inside information and according to your post you are saying that miss mottley made a decision and expelled miss Agard so what was the role of the 52 member council ….was all of that just for show and miss mottley had the decision to make …talk about democracy
Heather Cole it seems you have inside information and according to your post you are saying that miss mottley made a decision and expelled miss Agard so what was the role of the 52 member council ….was all of that just for show and miss mottley had the decision to make …talk about democracy
@,Janette,Reifer, hail, hail ,hail, my dear lady ,right on the button, must further add, people who you should look up to and respect in Barbados , even for they professional positions, are so bad behave, saying what they want to, when they want and carrying around with them the ghetto attitude. our kids is seeing this daily,
@,Janette,Reifer, hail, hail ,hail, my dear lady ,right on the button, must further add, people who you should look up to and respect in Barbados , even for they professional positions, are so bad behave, saying what they want to, when they want and carrying around with them the ghetto attitude. our kids is seeing this daily,
In Ancient Rome they were given bread and circuses as a distraction then what it this?
In Ancient Rome they were given bread and circuses as a distraction then what it this?
BLP, Republican,Progressive Conservative…these are all elitist party mindset..working class should never pander to this privileged lot anywhere on the planet….half dozen of one 6 of the other…..and does not mean a free pass is anyway extended to the other side either one lies more and just as arrogant
BLP, Republican,Progressive Conservative…these are all elitist party mindset..working class should never pander to this privileged lot anywhere on the planet….half dozen of one 6 of the other…..and does not mean a free pass is anyway extended to the other side either one lies more and just as arrogant
Political Career -OVER !! DONE !!! FINITO !!!
Political Career -OVER !! DONE !!! FINITO !!!
A long time she did fi gwaan bout she business……there is more important things to do kmt time to move on……………
A long time she did fi gwaan bout she business……there is more important things to do kmt time to move on……………
Lets getting on with the peoples work, only God knows, Amen
Lets getting on with the peoples work, only God knows, Amen