Blackett and Yearwood welcome resolution proposing their reinstatement in the DLP

The expelled president and general secretary of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) have expressed their renewed faith and optimism in the party’s future.

Both leaders spoke passionately about the way forward after news that a member resolution was tabled to have them reinstated during the party’s annual conference.

They  described the move as a turning point for the DLP.

Steve Blackett, who had been removed from his position as General Secretary, expressed his elation at the outcome of the conference. “I am over the moon. I am elated. My faith in this party has been renewed. I tell you something, it was waning, I tell you that over the last few weeks,” he said with evident emotion. He credited the members of the party for their support, describing the event as a testament to “people power.”

“The people have turned up for us. And therefore, I am absolutely thankful for them. They have my gratitude, and they have my heart. I will be forever grateful to them,” Blackett continued, emphasizing his commitment to the party’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen its position.

When asked about his immediate plans, Blackett was cautious, deferring to Dr Yearwood. “I’m not going to jump ahead of the comments of President Ronnie, who is on his way here. But it’s a question of continuing the work that we have started. It’s just a commencement of the work, a recommencement of the work,” Blackett explained, signaling that the focus would be on rebuilding the party and preparing it for future challenges.

In response to criticism that the conference proceedings were irregular, Blackett dismissed the allegations. “That is a lie. I am sure that the members of this party who dealt with the process this morning would have dealt with the process in the correct order,” he asserted, choosing not to engage further with the controversy.

Yearwood, who was also expelled from his role as president, echoed Blackett’s sentiments of gratitude. “First, I want to say thank you. I want to say thank you to the membership of the Democratic Labour Party for what they have done today. It is a day for the presiding,” Yearwood stated.

Dr Ronnie Yearwood

Yearwood praised the younger members of the DLP, acknowledging their commitment to the party’s principles rather than any individual leader. “They weren’t standing by one leader; they were standing by the Democratic Labour Party for what is right and what is good. The party needs to move on from today, not only in healing, reconciliation, and unity but to build a new Democratic Labour Party that can capture the minds and hearts of the people of Barbados,” he stated.

The expelled president highlighted the significance of the day’s events, framing them as a demonstration of “new politics” within the party. “When have you ever seen this kind of democracy, this groundswell of freedom in operation in a political party in Barbados?” Yearwood asked rhetorically, underscoring the importance of this moment for the DLP.

Addressing concerns about internal divisions and public confidence in the party, he acknowledged the challenges ahead. “I understand that there is clear division in the party. I would know that they do not have confidence in the Democratic Labour Party at this particular point,” he admitted. However, he urged supporters to maintain their faith in the party’s future, assuring them that “there are brighter days ahead.” (RG)