Alleyne dumps Dems, offers himself to Bees

Declaring he has no interest in standing on the sidelines of Barbados’ development, Democratic Labour Party hopeful Simon Alleyne on Wednesday resigned from the DLP and has offered himself to the ruling Barbados Labour Party.

In a surprise move. Alleyne, best known as Koke, one half of the comedic duo Rum and Koke,  a familiar face for the DLP for almost a decade, formally announced his resignation, which took effect on January 7.

He said: “I can confirm that I have officially resigned from the Democratic Labour Party. I am grateful for the years of service I have given to the party. But at this point, as I reflect on the years in my life, and the future of Barbados and myself, my skill set can be better utilised elsewhere.”

Formerly the party’s second vice president and spokesman on health, Alleyne immediately served notice that he was not walking away from the political fray and was interested in working with the ruling Barbados Labour Party.

“I  am definitely interested in serving in another party, I know that right now the Government needs assistance and I am more than willing to work with this administration .”

Alleyne appeared reluctant to say what led to his departure which comes on the heels of the resignation of former General Secretary George Pilgrim and George Connelly last November from the DLP, led by Verla De Peiza.

He, however, insisted his decision was neither selfish nor taken lightly.

He declared: “What is really means for me is that I want to be of service to Barbados in general. We do understand the current administration needs help, the Prime Minister said it is all about all hands on deck.

“I am more than willing to put my shoulder to the wheel and assist and help Barbados, it is not about me, it is not about Simon Alleyne, It is about Barbados.”

Alleyne, a teacher, who has been working in the constituency of St Philip North assured he won’t be turning his back on the people, pledging that he would remain fully connected to constituents.

He said: “I would like to say to the people of St Philip North that I am here to serve you in whatever capacity that they would want me to serve them. That is my home town. I love St Philip North, I grew up in St Philip. I was a parish ambassador in St Philip, I was a youth leader and a lay preacher in St Philip so I have a lot of love for my constituency and the people in general so if the people want me and they have vocalized that, I am more than willing to serve.” (SD)