Thorne speaks out as sacked senator quits party

Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has staunchly defended his decision to dismiss Senator Tricia Watson. 

Addressing reporters, Thorne asserted that Watson’s removal was a principled move rather than a personal attack. He explained that Watson, a lawyer, was appointed earlier this year to advocate against high electricity rates, a major contributor to inflation in Barbados. Despite the initial intention behind her appointment, Thorne described the dismissal as a strategic decision necessary for the party.

“I knew that she had built up a record of service at the utility rate hearings, the Fair Trading [Commission] hearings,” he said. “And I felt, and I still do feel, that electricity rates are too high in this country . . . It was on that principled position that I asked Ms Watson to be that voice for consumers on the issue of excessively high electricity rates.”

The fallout from Watson’s dismissal has been significant. The resignations of key party members, including long-time parliamentary aspirant Sandiford-Garner, have posed additional challenges for the DLP as it strives to maintain its unity and political focus. But Thorne insisted that these internal issues would not detract from the party’s goals.

In a subsequent press conference, Thorne introduced Andre Worrell as the new senator. Senator Worrell, who previously served in the Senate from 2010 to 2018, was presented as a seasoned leader with strong community ties. Thorne highlighted Senator Worrell’s Barbadian heritage and leadership experience, defending him against emerging criticisms, particularly on social media.

“Andre is well used to leadership . . .He had the finest in Barbadian education . . .He served from 2010 to 2018—eight years of experience in the Senate,” Thorne said, expressing confidence in Worrell’s ability to contribute effectively alongside Senator Ryan Walters.

Despite the controversies, Thorne stressed that the DLP remains committed to addressing the critical issues facing Barbados, particularly the impact of the current government on daily hardships faced by citizens.

Thorne’s remarks highlighted the ongoing tensions between the DLP and the media’s portrayal of the party’s internal issues. He emphasised that while the party faced criticism for its handling of Watson’s dismissal, similar actions by the BLP government had not drawn equivalent scrutiny.

“The Prime Minister of Barbados dismissed several persons from the Senate . . . the media did not make the inquiry of the prime minister that they make of us in this party,” Thorne asserted, arguing that the DLP was being held to a higher standard than the governing party.

Thorne cited several instances where government officials were dismissed with minimal public or media outcry, including the departure of Sir Richard Cheltenham and other officials like Edmund Hinkson and George Payne. He suggested that these instances were treated with less intensity compared to the reaction to Watson’s dismissal, which he characterised as disproportionate. 

“We see ourselves as being people of integrity, of decency, of civility,” Thorne declared. “And therefore we are not in that business. We are in the business of rescuing this country from this government.

He added: “The lady (Watson) is entitled to a dignified departure from the Senate. And she has departed from the Senate. And we insist it must be dignified.”

The DLP leader called for a focus on the broader issues affecting Barbados. He stressed that the real concerns for the country lie in the hardships faced by its people, rather than the internal dynamics of his party.

“The issue is that you live under a morally incompetent, unfit . . . government. That’s the issue in Barbados today. And whether Ms Watson heard or not is not the issue,” Thorne said. (RG)