Political parties preparing for by-election

At least four of Barbados’ opposition parties are oiling their political machinery and gearing up for battle ahead of an impending by-election in the St George North constituency.

Solutions Barbados’ leader Grenville Phillips III and Ambrose Grosvenor of the United Progressive Party have already declared their intention to contest the seat. And while the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and the People’s Party for Democracy and Development (PdP) are yet to make such declarations, they say Sunday’s sudden announcement has not caught them off guard.

The developments followed St George North Member of Parliament Gline Clarke’s decision to step away from the Lower House at the end of September after 26 years of representation as a member of the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP). He will then serve as the country’s High Commissioner to Canada, as his former constituents prepare to elect a new MP.

If successful, the DLP will have its first seat in parliament since May 2018, Solutions Barbados would have won its first in parliament, and although the PdP is currently represented with one seat held by Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley, a victory would also represent its first ever election victory.

On Tuesday, Atherley revealed that two members of his PdP are interested in contesting the soon-to-be vacant seat, and

added that he would not be surprised if another by-election occurs in the near future or an early election is called by Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

“We have two candidates who have both been indicating and expressing an interest in St George North. I am not going to divulge the names today obviously, but they are two gentlemen from St George North communities and they have been doing work there. They first indicated their interest over a year ago.” Bishop Atherley revealed.

“I can tell you as well that the PdP anticipated that there would be some by-election activity in St George North. We have anticipated that for a while now. I can tell you further that the PdP would not be surprised if there is at least one other by-election, and in fact, we have not ruled out the possibility of an early general election,” he added.

Atherley, a former member of the ruling party also expressed the belief that Clarke, who had received no ministerial portfolio, was now being “forced” out of parliament earlier than he intended.

“We cannot say for sure what leverage is being used against him and we will not engage in speculation and rumour, but it seems strikingly strange that a man who has served the constituency for 26 years would just give the constituents a week’s notice that he was bringing that representation to an end,” he suggested.

In a brief response, DLP president Verla DePeiza also indicated that the developments were no surprise and stressed the party would be ready.

“We were predicting a few by-elections and observing activity in certain areas, including St George North. The Democratic Labour Party therefore will ready ourselves for the upcoming battle,” she declared.

Meanwhile, in a Facebook press release, Phillips announced that as Solutions Barbados’ declared candidate, he is the “first out of the blocks” in the upcoming race and called on local media to facilitate “fair” coverage of “all political views”.

“Solutions Barbados is the third largest political party in Barbados, by measure of votes cast in the last General Election. We are also the second largest, by measure of declared candidates for the next general election.

In a statement, UPP hopeful Ambrose Grosvenor hailed the development as another chance for constituents to rid themselves of the “illusion of representation” it has been receiving under the BLP.

“Residents of The Glebe are still unable to use their homes as collateral to borrow money to pay for their children’s advanced education because they do not have title deeds. Residents of Airy Hill still have to walk to Charles Rowe Bridge, sometimes through neighbours’ properties, to catch a bus or PSV to go about their business. The heavily used road in Thorpe’s Cottage remains the same nightmare that it has been for decades,” he contended.

“These are matters that affect people’s daily lives. These are issues that must attract the interest of an MP or a potential MP. I have already started to tackle these problems and have met with success. To get things done while one is outside of parliament is a telltale sign of a prospective MP of consequence,” he added.

Sitting MP Gline Clarke is expected to resign from office at the end of September, after which, the Prime Minister will set the date for a by-election, which is lawfully due within 90 days.
kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb