DLP women decry ‘systematic mistreatment’ within party

Members of the Democratic Labour Party’s women’s group have publicly criticised their party’s leadership, accusing it of systematically mistreating female members and losing touch with its founding principles.

At a press conference held at the Island Inn Hotel, the Democratic League of Women shared personal accounts of neglect and exclusion, painting a picture of a party in turmoil.

Party elder Undine Whittaker, who sits on the DLP’s executive and general councils, launched a scathing attack on the current leadership under Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne. She contrasted Thorne’s approach unfavourably with that of former president Dr Ronnie Yearwood, who was recently expelled from the party along with general secretary Steve Blackett.

“What has occurred is absolutely wrong, and it’s heartbreaking to see how women who have been the backbone of this party are being treated,” Whittaker said. She cited the case of Heather Coward, a long-standing party member who was abruptly removed from operating the party’s canteen.

Coward, who joined the DLP in 1981, spoke of her distress at being ousted from the position she had held for over six years. 

“It has been rough,” she said, visibly emotional. “I used to stay up there when nobody was coming around. At night, 12 o’clock in the mornings, trying to keep the door open.”

She criticised the lack of communication from party leadership and highlighted the economic impact of her removal. 

“I got to pay rent. I got to buy goods. I got to pay utility bills. And they take it out of my mouth,” Coward said.

Tyra Trotman, chairperson of the Young Democrats, took a hardline stance against the current leadership of political leader Ralph Thorne, interim president Andre Worrell and acting general secretary Pedro Shepherd.

“Not even an apology will fix this for me because I’m a woman of principle. And unlike some other women in this party, I cannot return to my vomit,” she declared.

Women’s rights activist Wilma Clement called for an apology from the party leadership and urged them to once again value women’s contributions.

“I sincerely hope that some measure of reflection is done and that the women of the Democratic Labour Party are embraced and that somebody says sorry,” she said.

Clement also emphasised the need for transparency: “One of the things that the women have got to do is to ensure that the truth comes out.”

The allegations come at a turbulent time for the DLP, following the recent expulsion of key figures Dr Yearwood and Blackett and a turbulent party conference last weekend. Up to the time of publication, the leadership had not responded to this latest string of accusations and the threat of legal action, which plunged the 69-year-old party deeper into crisis. (RG)