#BTEditorial – The DLP must keep those ‘challenges’ coming

Political pundits have weighed in and have given their take on the recent challenge from Rev. Guy Hewitt to Democratic Labour Party (DLP) president Verla DePeiza for party leadership.

When questioned two of the island’s political scientists have contended that they don’t see Rev. Hewitt as a real threat to DePeiza. Since then news coming from the DLP associations in the diaspora suggests they have sided with the present leader while Rev. Hewitt has said he has a strong party backing from those who believe the DLP lacks proper leadership at this time.

But no matter what the experts say, those overseas or domestic onlookers, the fate of the party’s leadership lies with those paid-up members of the party who will vote come August when the Annual Conference is held.

Whatever the outcome the challenge is good for the party and great for democracy. Many wrote in the national press, called in on programmes over the last three years, and attempted to give the impression that the 60-year-old DLP was a dead party after it suffered a brutal 30-nil defeat in the May 2018 general elections.

This recent challenge has given the political landscape in Barbados a buzz. It has caused otherwise silent die hard supporters to make their voices known again. Such was the case when host of the Starcom’s Down to Brasstacks David Ellis invited Rev. Hewitt on the call-in programme this week.

Many party supporters called in to give their views on the recent development that affects their party. Between the callers and moderator Ellis, Rev. Hewitt found himself in the hot seat throughout the sesssion even when those supporting him called in and were frank and fair. It would seem the former diplomat held his own, repeatedly touting why he felt the need to step forward and sharing his vision for the party of Errol Barrow.

Rev. Hewitt has said his main purpose for stepping forward is bigger than DLP politics. He contends that the country is in need of better leadership.

The former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom said: “We need to renew confidence in the party of the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow and we need to restore democracy, social cohesion and sound economic footing going forward . . . Today is the first step in the quest to reclaim the soul of our nation. We need to restore democracy, social values and cohesion and create opportunities for economic empowerment.”

In the face of the challenge, DePeiza has made clear that she is no pushover.

“I didn’t back down last year against a stalwart of the party who had a strong record of strong representation in the party and I prevailed. There is no reason why I should back down now. None. As a matter of fact, they are the ones challenging me, not the other way around. I am ready for the challenge,” DePeiza said when questioned by Barbados TODAY.

Recent movements from the Dems’ camp indicate that the president is out to prove she can rumble with the best of them.

While Rev. Hewitt is focused on unseating her, DePeiza has been quietly adding candidates to the DLP’s list for the next General Election. Life is full of ironies. Sometimes what appears intended to cause harm actually brings out the best in a person, well in this case a political institution. It would appear that which DePeiza seemed slow to do is now being done with a degree of haste and energy.

Recently, in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY Andre Worrell signalled his intention to contest the once DLP stronghold of St John.

Also coming forward last week were Oldwin Skeete who is vying for his hometown constituency St Andrew; repeat candidate Randall Rouse who will contest St Joseph; newcomer Ricardo Harrison will run for the St Michael North seat; former Senator Damien Griffith is set to do battle against Prime Minister Mia Mottley for the St Michael North East seat; while Courie Cox will succeed Steve Blackett in St Michael Central.

But the announcement that takes the cake came days ago when young politician Dawn-Marie Armstrong told social media that she intends to vie for the St George South constituency which means going up against sitting MP Dwight Sutherland.

Her post read: “It is with great honour that I announce my candidacy for the Democratic Labour Party in the constituency of St. George South. I want nothing more than to see the lives of Barbadians improved and will utilise my time and energy to ensure that constituents are heard whilst working hard to bring community to the forefront of my campaign.”

Armstrong made her debut political speech during the St George North by-election in November. She is impressive to say the least. Pregnant at the time but that in no way affected her delivery.

So there are seven candidates named in recent times. Although still a long way off from the 30 needed, the party appears to be making strides. Ultimately, it remains to be seen how it will match up against its wily political rival.

Hopefully for the DLP’s sake, the loser of the leadership battle – whoever that may be – would not pack up, shut shop and abandon the party after defeat.

The recent leadership challenge seems to have sparked some interest and awaken the attention of party faithfuls.  It appears to have caused the president to show why she should be leader and candidates have been named for the upcoming general election. It is therefore safe to say the DLP must keep those “challenges” coming. After all, the party seems better for it.