Two years after challenging the current Prime Minister at the polls, President of the Young Democrats Kemar Stuart will be vying for the post of General Secretary in the country’s second-oldest political party.
The ambitious 25-year-old has also signalled his intention to represent one of the country’s 30 constituencies in Parliament at the next general election.
While it is still unclear who his opponent(s) will be at the Democratic Labour Party (DLP)’s 65th Annual Conference later this month, Barbados TODAY understands that the current General Secretary Guyson Mayers will not be seeking re-election.
“I can confirm that I have been nominated for the post of General Secretary of the Democratic Labour Party, and I have accepted the nomination and I will be contesting the post at the annual conference in late September,” Stuart told Barbados TODAY.
If elected to the position he will be expected to manage the party’s finances, assist in the maintenance of constituency branches and work alongside the party’s executive and general councils.
When asked what he could bring to the party if successful, Stuart said his bid would go a long way in reshaping the party’s image as one which embraces diversity in leadership. He also revealed that a five-point plan would be presented at a later date, outlining new initiatives to further rebuild public confidence in the party.
He also pointed to his contributions as President of the Young Democrats, where he never shied away from opportunities to challenge the current administration, particularly on matters relating to the economy.
“The general public has been calling for younger members of the Democratic Labour Party to step forward, so here I am. The late Prime Minister Mr David Thompson was elected to prominent positions within the party from a very tender age. The current Prime Minister became a minister and an MP from a very tender age as well. Age is not a factor. It is about competence, talent, skill, and the ability to get the job done effectively,” he contended.
“We as an organization do not limit political talent based on age, but based on contribution, political skill, political will, education, and knowledge,” Stuart added.
As a member of political party Solutions Barbados, the then 23-year-old amassed 133 votes while contesting the St Michael North East seat in the May 2018 general elections. Mia Mottley won the seat with 4,553 votes. Stuart then left Solutions Barbados to join the ousted DLP, which currently has no seats in Parliament.
When asked about the possibility of placing his hat once again in the political ring, he replied: “Yes, I do plan to contest the next elections. However, I will maintain the party’s position in awaiting official announcements from the organs of the party in relation to which constituency.”
The news has surfaced as the party faces a contest for president between former DLP General Secretary George Pilgrim and sitting leader Verla DePeiza.
(kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb)
