#BTEditorial – Looking forward to robust debates with ‘declared’ Opposition

It was during the period 2018 to 2022 that the debates in The Senate were most heated and robust.

Each Wednesday, Barbadians were tuned into Parliament to hear what and how the senators, particularly a labour leader, would bring the fight to Government.

In just a week, Barbados’ political landscape has changed significantly. It was last Friday that MP for Christ Church East Ralph Throne notified Head of State The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason of his intent to become Leader of the Opposition.

That single act was caused by a chain of events. At his swearing in on Monday, he asked the media to allow his two Senate picks the dignity of officially assuming office before bombarding them with questions.

While there were murmurs Thorne’s choices came as no surprise to many who were clueless as to whom they were. On Tuesday just before 10 a.m. their identities were revealed. Two members of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Senator Ryan Walters and Senator Tricia Watson took the oath before the President.

On that occasion both senators said that their work in the Upper House would complement what they were already doing – which is essentially giving voice to and advocating for the public.

On Wednesday, when they took their places in Parliament, they received a warm reception as well as warnings of vigorous debate by fellow senators.

“Let me welcome you to The Honourable Senate and let me congratulate you on your appointments to this ancient and honourable institution. You are young and vibrant and will certainly bring new ideas and energy to this place,” said President of the Senate The Most Honourable Reginald Farley.

Leader of Government Business and Minister of Energy Senator Lisa Cummins as well Deputy President Elizabeth Thompson both said they anticipated heated exchanges given there was now a “declared” opposition. Prior to Wednesday, there were only Government and independent senators.

Government senators who spoke all seem eager to hear and see what the rookie senators will have to offer in the weeks and months to come.

Senator Walters, a business executive, told the Chamber that he was there due to a combination of “bravery, hard work, dedication and commitment to the people of Barbados”.

He explained that when he joined the DLP in 2018 after the party’s worst defeat, he set out to prove cynics wrong as party mates were in amusement that he wanted to replace former Finance Minister Chris Sinckler in St Michael North West.

“I was adamant that I would not show my worth by talking, I would show my worth by doing and I set out on a journey to represent the people of St Michael North West… I am young. Will I make mistakes? Very likely I will. Will I live up to the expectation of all? It is very unlikely I will do so. I say to Barbadians I will give of my best. I am here to learn and grow to be better able people of Barbados in years to come.

“I am here to serve the best interest and people of Barbados. The majority of great politicians on both sides started out in the Senate… even you Sir right here is where you started and now you head this hallowed chamber,” Walters said.

Senator Watson, an attorney at law, said that from her observation the Senate had been at the vanguard of democracy.

“My observation in the last five years, the Senate has become the vanguard of democracy in Barbados given the severe imbalance or no balance whatsoever in the other Chamber and I think that is how Barbadians feel, that senators have a special responsibility at this time in our history, to represent the people of Barbados, to stand in the breach.

“I have felt that myself and I think you, members of the Senate, have received special attention, your work has received special attention as a result of that renewed interest and the import of the work of the Senate. That is very important to me all the more so now that I have joined you and it is my intention to satisfy the interest of the people of Barbados,” Watson said.

Like many of the Government senators we too look forward to the upcoming debate on Wednesday, February 21 when the Upper House convenes. All gloves will be off and the rookies will make their first contributions. We must note that although they are new to the Senate, neither Walters or Watson are strangers to public speaking, advocating, and firmly representing. There will be exciting days ahead.

We are eager to see them in action. We are keen to see how they can enhance the quality of debates and draw more viewers to increase those YouTube numbers — a signal that Barbadians are again paying attention to the affairs in the House of Assembly.

As was said in the Senate “declared opposition” augurs well for democracy.