As the Democratic Labour Party’s internal battle reached the boiling point only to be quelled by the Supreme Court, key players are missing from either side of the divide. Or even if they declare that they are neutral, they are missing still.
While those who are visible and on the frontline on either side are readily known and mentioned either in legitimate media stories or on social media, some, who people are kind to in public, have gone MIA (Missing in Action).
Even in the midst of a legal battle, a well-known legal eagle cannot be heard or seen. Where is former minister, DLP stalwart Michael Lashley KC, the DLP’s first vice-president, who should really have been named interim president?
Given the executive post he now holds and his years of political experience, why was he not named interim president? Conversely, if he is on the side of the executive of which he is a part, why hasn’t he offered up his legal skills to help Ricardo ‘Laker’ Williams in his bid to get the president and general secretary to resume their roles?
Lashley is known for being the legal face in many high-profile and controversial cases in Barbados. He is easily seen as Barbados’ Johnnie Cochran. How then would he fight for justice for the average Bajan but not lend his profile to a case that concerns the future and livelihood of the party of which he is a part?
His career was bolstered by his association with the party, the years he spent in opposition and the decade as a government minister. To me, he owes the institution more than a mute at this critical stage.
Lashley must know that his absence and the absence of his voice have not gone unnoticed. Since DLP’s political leader Ralph Thorne crossed the floor, Lashley spoke at a meeting at Ellerslie held days after Thorne’s swearing-in. But at that time, he said nothing publicly about Thorne’s membership or leadership.
However, since the widened party divide and power struggle has been made public, we are still to hear from him on the controversial issue. We are keen to hear him since he holds a key role as first vice-president. Other party stalwarts have weighed in on the issue making it clear where they stand left, right or neutral. Ronald Jones, Donville Inniss, Richard Sealy, David Estwick, Haynesley Benn, and Maxine McClean we have heard from.
Will he ever publicly state his position about Thorne’s leadership, Yearwood’s leadership, or even about the current affairs of the party?
Another legal mind who is missing constantly is Senator Tricia Watson. We only hear from the goodly senator when the Senate is called or on matters about Light & Power rates. I am well aware that had it not been for a question posed by a journalist during her swearing-in at State House, we would not have known that she was a member of the DLP. But where is she and how is her presence felt politically outside of the Upper House?
Her absence is so blatant. She was on a poster for the Christ Church zone meeting at St Christopher School; she was a no-show. She was to be at the first official press conference of the opening of the office of the Leader of the Opposition in April; she was a no-show. She was on the poster for Sunday’s zone meeting at The St Michael School; again, she was a no-show. Has she offered the masses any sort of explanation or apology for this series of absences?
I watch the House and Senate each time there is a debate, and even when she is in Parliament she is either late, contributes and disappears or does not come at all.
As a senator, appointed by Thorne, what is her take on his leadership? Where does she stand as it relates to the internal wranglings? Is party politics beneath her? Does she see her place as only in the Parliament? Surely she must know she is part of a wider team and the business of the party should be her concern as well.
Yes, these two, Lashley and Watson, have national profiles that are not related to party politics. However, it is party politics that is needed now more than ever.
If either intends to face the electorate at any time in the future, they must know the state of affairs in George Street will have an impact on their performance.
They must know that you have to interface with party colleagues and rank-and-file members of the party. These two should be on the party frontline propelling the institution and clearly representing the interest of the party.
They are occupying key political real estate which the DLP can ill afford to waste at this time. There is much to be done in the DLP and it is no secret that it will call for hard work, commitment and dedication.
Denice Harper
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.
