Phillips bows out of politics

Grenville Phillips II is done with elective politics, and will now be firmly focused on his career in engineering.

It may also be the end of the road for the Solutions Barbados Party that he founded.

Phillips made the announcement as he congratulated Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate Toni Moore on her victory in Wednesday’s by-election in St George North.

“There is great jubilation among my family at this time, as my time in elective politics has now come to an end. There is rejoicing among my clients for the same reason,” he said in a statement released moments before midnight.

The certified structural engineer amassed the third highest vote tally for the second straight election, securing 95 of the 4 748 votes. That is significantly less than the 264 votes he got in the 2018 general election.

In his statement, Phillips thanked candidates for running a “relatively clean” campaign, and the media for providing “generally fair” coverage.

“Congratulations must also go to Floyd Reifer, who came in a commendable second,” said the Solutions Barbados leader.

“I thank my family who has tolerated my political activities over the past five years,” he added.

While he has not responded to direct questions about the future of Solutions Barbados, Phillips has already started referring to the party in the past tense.

“Like all Solutions Barbados candidates, I believe that our entry into politics was a calling, to which we responded. It was important that voters be given a competent alternative, which we provided them. We respect the voters’ decision,” he said.

“I thank all Solutions Barbados candidates for their support over the past five years. I also thank those who voted for me in this by-election,” he added.

(kareemsmith@barbadsostoday.bb)