Dujon pledges to care as she pays deposit

With the backing of Democratic Labour Party (DLP) leadership and a pledge to be a voice for the overlooked, Felicia DuJon on Friday officially signalled her party’s intention to reclaim St James North—a seat it has not held in over a decade.

Clad in a white outfit accentuated by a bold blue and yellow Ankara necklace, DuJon arrived at the Treasury shortly after 1 p.m., where she paid her $250 deposit using three $100 bills.

She was joined by Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne, former party president Verla De Peiza, canvassing coordinator Hartley Reid, and several of the party’s new candidates, as well as party supporters.

“I have faith in the people of Barbados, I have faith in the people of St James North, and I have faith in the party,” DuJon said. “We have been working strategically and very hard, and we will give it our best—our very best.”

The by-election candidate said that while she may be new to frontline politics, she has spent weeks walking through communities in the north, speaking with residents who have welcomed her and shared longstanding concerns.

She said poor road conditions, inadequate street lighting, and lack of support for the elderly remain major issues across the constituency.

“People pay taxes, and they deserve basic services in return. That is their right as citizens,” she said.

“There are people in this constituency who are shut in, who don’t get the attention they need simply because of where they live. As a representative, it’s my duty to go to them—and with strong legs, I will get there.”

Thorne described DuJon as “a candidate of strength and sincerity,” and took aim at criticisms questioning her roots, calling them distractions from the real issues at stake.

“That nationality argument is a non-issue,” Thorne said.

“This campaign will exist on two levels—the level of addressing poor representation in St James North, and the national level, where we begin the process of restoring democracy in Barbados.”

He said the DLP is not only building a strong opposition, but preparing to govern, stating, “Not only do we intend to be a strong Opposition—we intend to be a strong government.”

“This is the beginning of the process of the restoration of democracy in this country.”

The St James North by-election was triggered by the resignation of veteran Barbados Labour Party MP Edmund Hinkson.

Nomination Day is set for May 6, and polling will take place on May 21.

(SM)