MP, 72, declares he won’t be purged from BLP by ‘ageism’

One of the longest-serving active parliamentarians has declared that he has no intention of bowing out of elective politics despite similar moves from some of his older Barbados Labour Party (BLP) colleagues in what many believe to be a purging of the parliamentary party ahead of the next General Election.

Trevor Prescod, 72, who represents St Michael East, has expressed ardent opposition to the notion of placing limits on the careers of politicians strictly on the basis of age.

He told Barbados TODAY that rumours of his departure were “far from right” despite similar exit announcements from City of Bridgetown MP Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, St Michael North MP Ronald Toppin and first-time St Philip West MP John King.

“I have no doubt about that. It seems to be a juicy topic for many, but not for me. I am very clear,” Prescod said when asked about the likelihood of him returning to defend the seat at the next poll, which is constitutionally due in 2023.

Prescod has served continuously as a BLP MP from 1999 to 2008, losing his seat in a swing against the Owen Arthur administration and then retaining it from 2013 until now.

In recent weeks, at least 10 Labour seats have been rumoured to be ripe for change, including that of St Michael East, which, according to reports, has piqued the interest of a  young philanthropist.

But Prescod is having none of it, he said, as he warned against all forms of discrimination, including on the basis of age. He made clear he was not unfazed by detractors.

He told Barbados TODAY: “As far as I am concerned, I have never had to face charges from the people who made me what I am. Lots of those things come from a special elitist core in the society, that if I had it my way, none of those people would ever represent working-class people.

“So I am not shocked when people say things about me, because I guess they are the people who can now make that determination if they want to. But I stay on the ground and will remain on the ground.”

The MP referred to US President Joe Biden, Supreme Court Justices and other high profile people who continue to work well into their senior years without timelines being placed on their ability to serve.

“This is not something that serious people debate,” Prescod declared. “The question is, do you have wisdom? Do you have the required intellect? Do you have the vision? Do you have the commitment? Those are fundamental variables that need to be explored.

“You have people that contribute nothing. I would like to believe that… many of my people who still live in my community, are quite happy with who I am. And when it comes to the electorate for a vote, I don’t ask any of these people that speak ill of me.”

kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb