Ronald Toppin bows out

After more than three decades of working with constituents of St Michael North, member of Parliament Ronald Toppin is stepping aside.

This evening during a special branch meeting at the Grazettes Primary School, Toppin confirmed widespread speculation that he would not be contesting the next general elections and in so doing named current branch president Davidson Ishmael as his handpicked successor.

In opting not to seek re-election, the 63-year-old Minister of International Business and Industry, became the third Barbados Labour Party (BLP) MP to do so within the past month, following in the footsteps of Minister of Health and Wellness Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture and the National Development Commission John King.

Toppin said while he had a “fun and interesting” experience as MP for St Michael North, the time had come for him to bow out.

He said his time in office had taken a toll on him and his family.

“Just as every journey begins with a single step, every journey also has an end and I am here this evening to announce that I am not going to be contesting the next general elections. I have really put my everything into representing this constituency for over 27 years and it took me seven years to win the seat so it’s 34 years that I’ve really been at it in St Michael North.

“…Politics on the whole, you lose a lot of special moments, particularly with family, moments that you can never retrieve or relive and that really was the norm for me in the last 27 years. Twenty-seven years can really take a toll on any conscientious and performing MP and I see myself in that category,” Toppin told the meeting.

“At the same time, I must say it has been very, very enjoyable. I am definitely a better person, stronger person for being in politics and it has certainly built my character.”

Toppin said he was proud of the fact he was able to convert a former Democratic Labour Party (DLP) stronghold into a BLP stronghold, having won the last six general elections. He said he was also satisfied he had left his fingerprints all over St Michael North.

But while Toppin admitted that his time had come to an end, he said he would have continued to serve as MP if he did not think there was a deserving person to fill his spot.

“The truth is there comes a time when the same calling that pulled you into politics starts to tell you that perhaps now is time to pass the baton and I must say that after 27 years I’m starting to feel that pull to pass the baton.

“But despite this calling, I must also tell you that I would never have decided to step down and pass the baton unless I felt I had the person to pass that baton too. Despite it all, I would have stayed on if I did not feel I had the person,” Toppin insisted.

“And I must say I think that I’m going to be handing over to someone who understands the standards set by this constituency and set by me and that person is no less a person than the branch manager Davidson Ishmael.”

Toppin said while he would be recommending Ishmael to the BLP to be his successor, the ultimate decision would be made by the party and the branch.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley lauded Toppin for his 34-year relationship with the people of St Michael North.

Referring to him as ‘Tops’, she recalled that he had embraced her when she first joined the BLP in 1988.

More importantly, she said he had worked hard and made “meaningful changes in the lives of thousands of people.”

She also maintained there was no animosity behind Toppin’s decision not to seek re-election.

“The one thing you learn about a mass-based party is that every year, not every election, people come and people go, but it is how we manage our business and how we manage the transitioning of our business that makes that journey possible,” Mottley said.

The Prime Minister also supported Ishmael’s nomination and described him as “a good consideration” who would add value to the BLP. (RB)