DLP slammed over ‘underwhelming’ Senate appointment

The Democratic Labour Party has come under fire for its selection of Andre Worrell as a senator, replacing Tricia Watson, with political scientist Devaron Bruce saying the “disappointing development” could potentially harm the party’s electoral prospects.

“You are removing stellar for mediocre,” Bruce told Barbados TODAY following Senator Worrell’s swearing-in ceremony at State House on Thursday.

“It may very well be an underwhelming switch,” he said, highlighting Watson’s “stellar contributions in the Upper Chamber over the last couple months” and her role in maintaining gender balance within the party’s two-member representation of the opposition in the Senate.

The appointment comes in the wake of a stormy DLP party conference last weekend, which Bruce identified as the catalyst for the recent expulsion of Dr Ronnie Yearwood and Steve Blackett from the party. The political scientist suggested that many Barbadians would view Worrell’s appointment as a “political” rather than merit-based decision, potentially undermining confidence in the party’s direction.

“I certainly wish him well, but based on my observations this is not an individual that I would consider to be an effective replacement to Senator Watson, and I believe that many Barbadians would feel the same way,” Bruce explained.

The move has also reignited concerns about the DLP’s treatment of women within its ranks. Bruce acknowledged the party’s longstanding struggle with its public image regarding women, citing “notable instances of disparaging comments” during past campaign trails. The Democratic League of Women is reportedly considering legal action against the party’s leadership over accusations of systematic mistreatment under political leader Ralph Thorne.

The move to elevate Worrell, the DLP’s acting president, will not serve to calm those concerns, the political commentator suggested.

“You have a circumstance where objectively, you have a very stellar female and individual in Tricia Watson, who has shown throughout her personal and public career to be an individual that has done quite well, not just for herself, but in the defence of people. Being replaced by an individual who I believe has not produced in the same way that Tricia Watson has produced, you are removing stellar for mediocre.

“You have a situation where those concerns involving gender and DLP are being reinforced. The DLP certainly has to consider its branding . . . [and] strategy as it relates to gender.”

The political scientist went on to characterise recent decisions under Thorne’s leadership as a “comedy of errors,” including the treatment of DLP members at the weekend conference, Watson’s removal, and Worrell’s Senate appointment. He warned that without significant change, the party is unlikely to make a substantial impact in the next election.

“Unless there is some switch in leadership within the DLP, I don’t anticipate going forward that they will do any better than they could have [at the polls],” Bruce cautioned. 

He suggested that Thorne and the DLP need a “significant reset” while questioning whether such a reset is possible given the current party composition.

The swearing-in ceremony at State House was attended by Thorne and opposition Senator Ryan Walters. 

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb