Blackman pays deposit for by-election race

Senator Chad Blackman officially entered the race for the St James North by-election on Friday, paying his $250 deposit, and pledging to meet people “where they are” and continue working

beyond the May 21 poll.

The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate arrived at the National Housing Corporation building on Country Road at 11:05 am, clad in a pinstriped suit and flanked by supporters Roy Bishop and Lilian Lloyd.

Several high-profile figures, including his campaign manager, Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw; Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir; and Member of Parliament Marsha Caddle were also present.

Blackman paid the required deposit at 11:08 a.m. using two $100 bills and a $50 bill.

As he emerged from the building moments later, supporters erupted into cheers, forming an arc with red BLP flags as Blackman proudly held up his receipt to signal that he was officially in the race.

“The campaign continues in full earnest. The team is fully mobilised, fully energised, and the people of St James North are really rallying behind Team Barbados Labour Party,” Blackman told reporters.

“But you have to approach politics with humility. I’m not someone who would be arrogant—that’s not my personality. Every day we’re out in the communities, house to house, in the shops, at the churches. We’re meeting people where they are.”

Blackman said the response has been overwhelming, with even first-time volunteers eager to join the movement.

“Many have said, ‘We’ve never been around a political campaign before, but we like your energy and want to be a part of this.’ That’s been incredibly humbling.”

He added that the campaign was not just about promises, pointing to his recent launch of the St James North Tech Hub, which he described as a step towards making the constituency a model of digital empowerment.

“We’re not just talking. We’re showing what we can do,” he said.

“Yesterday, we had a phenomenal turnout—children, young people, their parents. The Tech Hub was about coding, robotics, artificial intelligence… showing how we can make Barbados globally competitive through technology.”

Blackman described St James North as a “microcosm of Barbados,” noting its blend of urban and agricultural communities; he said his approach was to develop tailored strategies for each area’s specific needs and opportunities.

One of these involves the creation of a cooperative for local farmers and livestock producers.

“A lot of people are planting, raising chickens and pigs, but there’s no proper market. This cooperative will help them get their products into supermarkets—and eventually, with scale, even export across the Caribbean,” he said.

The BLP candidate also addressed food security, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed Barbados’ vulnerability.

“Any external shock—a hurricane, trade war, or supply chain breakdown—puts us at risk. That’s why this is bigger than one constituency. This is a national issue,” he said.

When asked whether he had already resigned from the Senate or his Cabinet post, Blackman confirmed that this will take place “very soon.”

The by-election follows the resignation of longtime BLP MP Edmund Hinkson.

Nomination Day is set for May 6, with voters heading to the polls on May 21.

(SM)