#BTColumn – The DLP at the Crossroads – Part 2

Finding a new leader

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is currently facing a range of complex challenges, including a need for significant organisational restructuring, and rebuilding public trust following recent election defeats. As previously noted, the party can be compared to a vehicle in need of extensive repairs, requiring a skilled mechanic, bodywork professional, and upholsterer to make the necessary repairs and upgrades.

The future of the DLP will be determined by its ability to rebuild itself from within and develop a compelling vision for the future. The party needs a leader who can repair the vehicle and unite various factions to achieve shared goals. With an effective leader at the helm, the DLP can rise from the ashes and compete successfully in future elections, ensuring a practical alternative for the citizens of Barbados. The next president must be capable of executing those three roles effectively.

In playing the role of the mechanic, the leader must be able to overhaul the engine and restore it to factory condition. During this process, the mechanic must disassemble the engine, evaluate the condition of the internal components to find the source of the problem and fix them.

In essence, the leader needs to be able to navigate complex internal and external issues, analyse problems effectively, and propose sound solutions. This leader must have the ability to repair the party’s damaged reputation and reconnect with the voting public. The leader must be a visionary, someone who can see the problems ahead and prepare the party for the future.

Additionally, the leader as mechanic must oversee the restoration of the party to its core philosophy, assess and analyse the reasons for the party’s recent losses, identify the issues in the election machinery, and develop effective strategies to overcome them. This may involve developing a better understanding of current trends in campaigning, political marketing and messaging, media relations, grassroots mobilisation and voter targeting.

In addition, the mechanic’s role involves finding key players and building a competent team to implement the necessary changes. The leader must engage with a diverse range of party members, including former candidates and volunteers who may have insights and expertise that are valuable in the repair process. The successful delivery of the repair initiatives must involve empowering these participants to play a critical role in the transformation of the party’s election machinery.

The bodywork professional role requires a leader capable of rebuilding the DLP’s image and presenting a fresh, updated look to the electorate. The leader must create a brand that resonates with voters, effectively communicate the party’s values and policies in a clear and compelling manner and identify ways to stand out from other political parties. The bodywork professional will also have to focus on the visible part of the vehicle, which is what the public sees and uses to decide who gets their vote.

One of the primary responsibilities of the bodywork professional is to effect repairs to the vehicle’s exterior which may include realigning any out-of-place parts or replacing any damaged parts. The mechanic must inspect the affected areas, identify visible and underlying issues, and decide the appropriate repair techniques and materials needed.

The task for the leader therefore is to develop a strong party brand that communicates the DLP’s values and priorities. This will require carefully-crafted messaging that appeals to the party’s target audience and presents the party in a positive light. The leader must show the core value propositions that the DLP represents and articulate them in a clear, concise and effective messaging that resonates with the public.

The leader must also develop a strong media strategy that effectively communicates the party’s message and vision. This includes identifying the most effective communication channels and modes of engagement (whether it is social media, advertising, or public events), and selecting the right tools and techniques to maximise the impact of the message. The bodywork professional should also stay up-to-date on emerging trends and technology, enabling the party to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

The bodywork professional must also ensure that the party’s image aligns with the party’s underlying values, providing a basis of consistency and stability for effective campaigning. Every decision, event, and communication should reflect the party’s vision and values, creating a recognisable identity of the party. This will resonate with both internal members and the external public by creating an image that makes the party appealing to the voting public and potential supporters.

The upholsterer, in this instance, would specialise in the restoration and creation of upholstered seats. The major duties would include a detailed examination of the seats and designing and planning the work to be done including the selection of the right materials and effecting any necessary repairs to underlying structures. This role is not limited to seats however but also to the door panels and roof etc.

This leader must ensure that there is unity within the party, creating a sense of camaraderie and effectively managing any differences that may arise. This includes building a formidable team and finding key players who can contribute to the party’s success. The upholsterer must also be skilled at managing relationships, both within the party and with external stakeholders, including donors, the media, and the broader public.

In addition to the role of upholsterer, choosing effective candidates is critical for the DLP to regain lost seats in Parliament. The selection process for candidates must be rigorous and transparent, with clear criteria and protocols for finding and selecting the best candidates.

The first step in this process is to identify key attributes that the party needs for successful candidates, as well as identifying constituencies that are winnable and candidates that have a realistic chance of winning. This can involve a detailed feasibility study on the likelihood of victory, taking account of factors such as demographics, competitive advantage and the political landscape.

Once the criteria for selection has been established, the process of finding and verifying potential candidates can begin. This process may include conducting interviews and background checks, as well as asking for feedback from party members and community leaders to help ensure that the candidates align with the party’s vision and goals. Involving various stakeholders in the primary selection process is one way to build members’ interest and participation in the party’s decisions.

Overall, these three roles must work in tandem to ensure that the DLP can rejuvenate itself and mount a successful challenge in future elections. The party needs someone who can take a comprehensive approach, repairing and upgrading critical areas while adopting a futuristic vision that is forward- thinking. The DLP needs a leader who can steer the party effectively and unify its members, creating a sense of excitement, optimism, and hope for the future.

In my next article I will name which one of the four candidates is best-suited to play the combined roles of mechanic, bodywork professional and upholsterer as identified here. This critical repair work must be done by the next president before the driver/political leader takes the seat.

David Bowen J.P., is a former Assistant General Secretary of the DLP who served as Campaign Manager for candidates from both the DLP and BLP. In the 2022 Election, he held the position of National Campaign Manager for the DLP.  ]]>