‘Personality politics’: Atherley warns against ‘self-interest’ in emerging landscape

Barbados’ fractured opposition risks becoming a “personality-driven” distraction from governing, former opposition leader Bishop Joseph Atherley has declared, suggesting a wave of new political entrants could decide future elections by infighting rather than policy.

The leader of the People’s Party for Democracy and Development (PdP) noted that while he supports democratic participation, he is concerned that “political posturing” and personality-driven agendas are taking precedence over the interests of Barbadians.

His comments followed the announcement of Barbados’ latest political organisation, the New National Party (NNP), formed by ex-DLP member Kemar Stuart.

“We live in a democratic culture. I think we have to do whatever we can to improve the practice of democracy, and people are free to do as they are led once it’s in the interest of the people,” Atherley told Barbados TODAY.

“My concern would be that sometimes there’s too much political posturing. There’s too much of a personality dynamic involved… We aren’t putting the people first-we’re putting self-interest first. And sometimes the party dynamic takes precedence, and the people’s interest becomes secondary. I don’t like that.”

Atherley confirmed his party will not contest the upcoming St James North by-election, triggered by the resignation of MP Edmund Hinkson.

“We have no plans in respect to the by-election,” he said. “I would not want to speak to a point beyond that at this stage. Constitutionally, we are still ways away from the general election.”

The PdP leader declined to comment on whether his party will contest the next general election, even as the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) moves ahead with candidate announcements and new political entities enter the fray.

“I presume they think that is the best course of action to take,” Atherley said of the DLP. “But I don’t think I need to speak on general election plans at this time.”

There are growing questions about whether the country’s fragmented opposition landscape can mount a serious challenge to the ruling Barbados Labour Party. Several new parties have entered the political arena, prompting concerns about vote-splitting.

“A multiplicity of political parties can result in confusion among the electorate,” Atherley warned. “It could result in votes being splintered all over the place, and often that is to the advantage of the party that holds the office of government.”

Asked whether smaller movements should consider joining forces, Atherley said any coalition must be rooted in principle, not strategy.

“Political decisions should be motivated by the interest of the people,” he said. “Last election, we formed the Alliance Party for Progress because we wanted to help Barbadians, not because we were trying to become a powerful opposition bloc.”

He said he remains open to partnerships, but only with those who share that approach.

“Any entity I’m part of, the doors are open to anyone from anywhere in Barbados who will put the people’s interest first,” Atherley said, reiterating that he refuses to engage in “personality politics”.

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb