Voters to choose whether to back Bees’ reform agenda or bolster Dems revival efforts

The voters of St James North will cast ballots on May 21 after a short campaign in a closely watched by-election triggered by veteran MP Edmund Hinkson’s resignation, offering the first electoral test of the Mia Mottley administration since its 2022 landslide victory.

The prime minister announced the poll date on Friday after confirming President Dame Sandra Mason had formally notified her of the constituency vacancy. 

The ruling Barbados Labour Party will field Senator Chad Blackman, minister of education, while the opposition Democratic Labour Party has selected its education spokesperson, Felicia Dujon, for the west coast hustings.

In a statement, Mottley disclosed she had received formal notice from the president confirming the vacancy in the House of Assembly following Hinkson’s resignation: “Earlier today, I received a letter from Her Excellency, the President of Barbados, advising me that she had received from the House of Assembly the address informing her that by reason of the resignation of Mr Edmund Gregory Hinkson, a vacancy has arisen for a member of the House of Assembly of the constituency of St James North.”

She explained that under Section 47(2) of the Constitution, the president must issue a writ for a by-election within 90 days of the seat becoming vacant. Mottley recommended the writ be issued on April 26, with Nomination Day set for May 6 and voting two weeks’ later on May 21 — a recommendation by the head of government that by convention is accepted by the Head of State.

“This is a quick election, and as we approach this important date, let us all show the best of who we are – respectful, responsible, and proud,” Mottley urged. “Let us exercise our rights peacefully upon the dignity of the process.”

Friday marked the end of Hinkson’s 16-year tenure as St James North’s representative. It will serve as a litmus test for the BLP’s political strength ahead of the 2027 general election, following its 30-seat sweep in January 2022 that reaffirmed its total dominance of the House of Assembly in the May 2018 poll.

The by-election will be scrutinised as an indicator of shifting voter sentiment ahead of the next nationwide poll, constitutionally due in 2027. 

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb