From Rowe to Rudder?

St Michael North-West MP Neil Rowe on Friday refused to confirm speculation that he won’t seek re-election in the general election.

“I have no comment” was all Rowe would say to Barbados TODAY when asked about reports that he is tipped to be replaced by a prominent entertainer as Labour’s candidate for the seat.

Speculation was rife this week that BLP leader and Prime Minister Mia Mottley may have her eyes on Dale Rudder – the veteran calypsonian Mistah Dale – to replace Rowe. Rudder has indicated that he will answer if called to serve.

Several constituents in St Michael North-West told Barbados TODAY that they have also been hearing the rumours that Rowe will be out of the upcoming general elections and that Rudder is the BLP’s potential candidate to fill that gap. The constituents said they were waiting patiently to see if an official announcement will be made soon.

Rudder said: “At this juncture, if I am called to serve, being a man of the people, I will definitely have to consider it. But right now, all of these things that I am hearing is befuddling really.”

The entertainer who is popular in areas of St Michael North-West where he is known for his community work, has said that for the past 20 years he has heard his name being called in elective politics.

He said he had been approached by former Prime Minister and Democratic Labour Party leader David Thompson and has also been asked by the BLP to consider being a representative for the constituency.

Rudder said: “The work that I do has never been about glorifying or looking for praise or anything.”

(AH)