Blackman first to pay candidate deposit in St James North by-election

The race for the St James North by-election officially got underway this morning as Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate Senator Chad Blackman paid his $250 nomination deposit at the Treasury.

Blackman arrived at the National Housing Corporation (NHC) building on Country Road at 11:05 a.m. and completed the transaction by 11:08 a.m., surrounded by a strong show of party support.

Walking alongside him were BLP supporters Roy Bishop and Lilian Lloyd, with several high-profile figures, including Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir, Member of Parliament Marsha Caddle, and Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw, also present.

Following the payment, Blackman said his campaign would maintain momentum in the weeks ahead.

“The work on the ground has already started, and it will continue all the way through the election—and beyond,” he said.

Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate Felicia Dujon is expected to make her deposit in the afternoon, also at the NHC Building, marking the formal start of her campaign for the May 21 by-election.

The poll was triggered by the resignation of veteran MP Edmund Hinkson, setting the stage for the St James North contest. (SM)