Christian council urges good behaviour during campaign

The Church is appealing to political parties to execute clean campaigns leading up to the January 19 General Election.

The Barbados Evangelical Association (BEA) and the Barbados Christian Council (BXC) have both called on political parties seeking to be elected to do so in a responsible manner, both in speech and action.

Chairman of the BXC Dr Cicely Athill-Horsford said that while remaining passionate in their bid towards achieving electoral office, the council is inviting politicians, supporters and critics alike to refrain from name calling, personal attacks and insults, especially those that target the families of candidates.

“As Barbados moves towards its first general election as a republic on January 19, 2022 and in its aftermath, do know that the nation will be in the prayers of the BXC. We also encourage party faithfuls that as they engage in discussion and debate either in person or via social media to do so respecting those whose political views may be different or at least vary.

“Let us all remember that this is our nation that we love and hold in our hearts as we seek the good for ourselves and all those within these shores. May God Almighty be with us as we engage in this General Election and may His will be done in the long run,” Athill-Horsford said.

Meanwhile, vice president of the BEA Dr Winston Clarke, commended political leaders for upholding the country’s democratic institution but indicated the need at this time to temper the behaviour.

He too called on party leaders to insist that their members desist from the use of disingenuous comments which are often associated with political meetings.

Dr Clarke asked candidates to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the position to which they are aspiring. He said candidates should focus on the issues which affect the livelihood of Barbadian people and indicate a vision for the country to look towards the future.

“Elections in Barbados have over the years, generated considerable excitement. On the one hand, excitement among the populace is heightened as persons maximize their efforts to propel the advantage of one candidate over the other.

“On the other hand, the rigours of competition among political candidates and the eagerness of political parties to gain an ultimate advantage over the others contributes to heightened discourse which at times can cause disruption in family life, disagreements and a level of social volatility among people,” he said.

The vice president also reminded party supporters that they should consider that each person has a right to support his party of choice, but that support should never lead to all kinds of disequilibrium of temperament which sometimes becomes unbridled.

“The recognition and acceptance that we are having an election during a time of pandemic should be foremost in our thoughts and should be the hallmark used to remind us that we are our brother’s keeper. Health protocols should be respected and our demeanour at our polling stations should be that with which all should comply,” Dr Clarke said.
(AH)