Verla DePeiza retains leadership of DLP

Verla DePeiza has retained the leadership of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) after beating challenger Rev Guy Hewitt with 507 votes to 295.

DePeiza has called for all party supporters to get on board as the DLP readies itself for the next general elections.

Addressing party supporters during the final day of her party’s 66th anniversary conference at their George Street headquarters, DePeiza thanked members for their overwhelming support.

She stressed this is the time for all DLP supporters to put differences aside for the good of the nation, because in her view, one united front is needed now more than other.

“This is the call to arms for all of our comrades, to step up, step out, stand up for your party [and] stand up for your country. This is the moment like no other moment that your country needs you – don’t let anybody bog you down in anything that happened in the last administration, keep your eye on the prize, the prize is ahead of you,” she said.

“Let them keep talking whatever they feel like talking behind you, we have learned our lessons, we also understand that we had several victories in that time period as well, but we are striving forward.”

While acknowledging that the party had a tumultuous time over the last few years with senior members expressing their dissatisfaction in the way the party was moving, DePeiza insisted that the DLP is now stronger than it ever was, and is committed to proving to Barbadians that they are ready to serve.

“We have spent three years fixing ourselves, we are better for it, we are stronger for it, and comrades, the message that the Democratic Labour Party is sending to the people of Barbados, and that we are sending across the river to Roebuck Street, is that the Democratic Labour Party is ready to serve. All of us with a role to play, all of us determined to save this country … today the 22nd of August 2021, signals the return of the Democratic Labour Party, energized.” (SB)