Thorne defends Dujon’s selection as DLP candidate, challenges BLP’s approach

Felicia Dujon secured the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) nomination for the upcoming St James North by-election through a transparent and competitive process, Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne insisted on Wednesday, dismissing claims that her candidacy was imposed by party leadership.

He told reporters at his office that the nomination of the human rights advocate and university lecturer followed a rigorous contest at the constituency branch level, standing in stark contrast to what he claimed has happened in the Barbados Labour Party (BLP).

“Ms Dujon has come to this place after a difficult process of nomination. And we admit that,” Thorne said.

“No candidate has been selected by the president, no candidate has been selected by the political leader, no candidate has been selected by the general secretary. Every candidate was selected by a process in which the branches met with a candidate selection committee. Every candidate that has been ratified has been recommended and nominated by the branches.”

He added: “This is democracy at work. And we felt it was important to say that to the people of Barbados—particularly when there are other parties that have taken a very different approach.”

Thorne accused the ruling BLP of installing Minister of Educational Transformation Senator Chad Blackman without the endorsement of its own constituency branch, and claimed that a woman who had been canvassing for the seat had been quietly pushed aside.

“To elevate someone with ministerial office and drop them into a seat for electoral gain—over a woman who was working the ground—is, in my view, an abuse of power,” he added.

Outgoing St James North MP Edmund Hinkson, whose resignation takes effect on Friday, gave the nod to Senator Blackman as his successor since last December when he gave notice of his intention to resign from active politics.

Dujon’s candidacy was announced just hours after Hinkson’s formal resignation notice was read in the House of Assembly—a move Thorne said reflected the DLP’s preparedness and internal unity.

He also expressed hope that Dujon would soon join him in the House, ending his current status as the DLP’s sole parliamentary representative.

“It would be a dream come true. We intend to strain every sinew to ensure that this young lady occupies that seat next to me,” he said.

Dujon’s candidacy has been heavily criticised by political pundits who have expressed a lack of confidence in her prospects for securing the long-time BLP stronghold.

But, delivering a passionate speech during the press conference, she called on voters to reject the narrative that she is unelectable, while positioning her campaign as a moral alternative to money and political power.

“I cannot fight this battle alone,” she declared. “They have said that I do not have a chance—but it is left up to you. They forgot about you. They forgot that you have the power to change that,” she said, rallying the support of voters.

“We do not come with money. We come with morality. We come with courage. They believe I don’t stand a chance. But they’re not God—and they’re not you.”

DLP officials have revealed that, in addition to the 15 candidates named earlier this year, the party is expected to announce another seven during a zonal meeting on Sunday. A general election is constitutionally due in 2027.

Thorne shared that more than 20 candidates have been ratified so far and the DLP could present a full general election slate “within weeks”.

Declaring that the next seven will also be fresh faces, he said: “Barbadians want to see us being futuristic, being modern, and being progressive. Not that others have not been—but we are coming with a team that looks like it can take on the future.”

Pressed on whether long-time party members such as Michael Lashley, who lost his St Philip North candidacy last week, would join the campaign trail, Thorne said: “The best person to ask that is Mr Lashley.

“Whether he campaigns or not is purely his decision. We don’t have any despots here. We don’t force people to do things.”

His remarks followed recent criticism of the party’s handling of Lashley’s exit from the seat, which some political analysts have argued could alienate supporters. 

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb