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Long-standing Barbados Labour Party (BLP) member Senator Patricia Pat Parris is the party’s new chief executive officer.

Her position was announced on Tuesday during a press conference at the party’s Roebuck Street, City headquarters, filling a post not occupied for more than 15 years. Parris said the office was to ensure the party fulfilled its mandate to constituency branches to better meet the needs of constituents.

She explained that part of the role also required her to ensure Members of Parliament were reporting to their constituents and addressing issues of concern.

“It is not a new position to the Barbados Labour Party but we had a vacancy for over 15 years. The role of the CEO is to ensure that the party works hand-in-hand with the constituency branches so we are in a better position to meet the needs of the constituents and the people we serve,” she said.

During the swearing-in ceremony at State House on Wednesday January 26, Prime Minister Mia Mottley mandated that each sitting Member of Parliament (MP) spend at least half a day each week in their constituencies unless ill or out of the island.

They were also required to report to their constituents twice a year in a public forum.

Parris said she would also be cracking down on MPs to make sure they followed the directive.

“The process is going well and part of my duty as CEO would be to ensure that the promise the Prime Minister made to the people of this country, in terms of reporting and (being visible) and being able to go to your constituency branch for assistance, will be done.”

Parris held a number of public office positions including former director of the public affairs department. She also served as a senator when the late Owen Arthur was Prime Minister of Barbados and was the executive assistant to Opposition Leader Mia Mottley before the latter became Prime Minister.

She is also a third vice chairman of the BLP and is also the president of the Togetherness Social Club. (SZB)