Ralph Thorne rejoins DLP

Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne this morning visited the George Street headquarters of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and formally submitted his application to become a full member of the party.

The Christ Church South MP who crossed the floor and severed ties with the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) a week ago,  said he was overwhelmed and humbled by the warm welcome he has received from DLP members.

He declared that he had not come to lead but to join the Ronnie Yearwood-led party.

“I have come to join this party and its mission to lead Barbados. We know what’s happening in Barbados right now…And if there’s an enemy in Barbados, that enemy is crime, that enemy is inflation, that enemy is the loss of the freedom of speech, that enemy is the fear that Barbadians feel from day to day.”

Thorne, a former member of the DLP, said it was an act of healing that returned him to the fold of the party.

“You’ve invited me and I have applied, so it’s a mutual invitation and negotiation rooted in the love of country.”

DLP General Secretary Steve Blackett and President Dr Ronnie Yearwood were not present when Thorne arrived at George Street. Thorne was however greeted by veteran members Dr Derek Alleyne and Patrick Gollop and other DLP supporters.

Read full story in Friday’s Epaper.