DLP candidate hits the ground in St James North

Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate Felicia Dujon says many residents of St James North have felt neglected by their leadership over the years and are demanding real representation, as she steps up canvassing ahead of the May 21 by-election.

Barbados TODAY caught up with Dujon, who will contest the seat against Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate Senator Chad Blackman, as she touched base with residents in the Trents area on Thursday. 

Noting that she has been on the ground daily, speaking with voters in surrounding areas, Dujon said the most pressing concerns raised include poor infrastructure, inadequate street lighting, unemployment, and rising crime—both in the communities and across the country.

“There are areas I went into where people told me they’ve never seen their representative. That’s disappointing,” she said. “It reinforces the idea that all politicians are the same, and that makes it harder to gain trust. But I believe in showing up, listening, and advocating for people’s rights.”

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of long-serving BLP Member of Parliament Edmund Hinkson, who formally stepped down last month after more than a decade in the seat.

The House of Assembly validated his resignation on April 25, and the writ was issued the following day.

Dujon, a teacher and activist, said she has encountered many first-time voters and others who have lost faith in politics altogether. 

She shared her belief that it is her duty to help them understand why voting still matters.

“I’ve had to explain that your vote is more than a choice—it’s your voice in Parliament,” she said.

“The people you elect make decisions that affect your taxes, your freedoms, and your way of life. One-party control with 28 seats isn’t healthy for democracy.”

Thursday’s efforts saw the DLP mobilising several teams to canvass throughout the lower half of the constituency, focusing on what it said was the West Coast corridor.

On the trail was party president Andre Worrell, who said Dujon’s work in education and civil society has helped her connect with voters, many of whom are already familiar with her advocacy.

“She’s not a stranger to the people. That helps,” Worrell said. “This campaign is also about sending a message to the government. Barbadians are under pressure from a high cost of living and increasing crime, and many don’t believe the country is heading in the right direction.”

Also supporting the effort was Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne who praised Dujon’s energy and the response on the ground.

“She’s out there every day, making direct contact. And the feedback we’re getting from residents runs counter to what some analysts are predicting,” he said. 

“There is real momentum on the ground.”

Among the local concerns raised was flooding in the Coral Reef area. Resident Gwendolyn Cumberbatch commended the government for canal work in nearby Trents but said similar action was urgently needed to prevent flooding on the opposite side of the road.

“They need to do something over here too,” she said. “If not, we’re going to flood again.”

With less than three weeks to go before voters head to the polls, Dujon says her goal remains to meet people where they are and offer genuine representation.

“This isn’t about me. It’s about the people of St James North—people who’ve felt forgotten, and who want to be heard again.”