Mottley pledges Blackman’s ministerial return if he wins St James North by-election

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has dismissed opposition claims of a leadership vacuum in the Ministry of Education, promising that Barbados Labour Party candidate Chad Blackman will be reinstated as Minister of Educational Transformation if he wins Wednesday’s St James North by-election.

At a BLP spot meeting in Ashton Hall, St Peter, on Wednesday night, Mottley addressed growing criticism from the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), which has questioned the integrity of Blackman’s brief ministerial appointment and resignation to contest the seat.

The DLP has also claimed the Ministry of Education had been left leaderless in the interim.

Mottley dismissed the claims as inaccurate and politically motivated, stating that the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training Sandra Husbands was assigned to oversee the ministry during Blackman’s transition. Husbands holds responsibility for higher education, technical and vocational training.

“Before Chad Blackman resigned, I publicly said Sandra Husbands would hold the portfolio for two weeks, and thereafter, I would have the honour of appointing Chad a second time as Minister of Educational Transformation,” Mottley said.

She added that those pushing the idea of a vacant ministry were either ignoring the facts or lacked a proper understanding of the country’s constitutional framework.

“The fact that the media didn’t carry it, or that they [the DLP] are so incapable of understanding the constitutional structure of this country, is unfortunate,” she said.

Framing the by-election as a continuation of service and leadership, the prime minister said the BLP remains committed to building on the legacy of outgoing MP Edmund Hinkson, who recently resigned, having served three terms.

“This campaign is about moving forward. Edmund Hinkson served with distinction, and the baton is being passed to Chad Blackman,” Mottley said.

Blackman, who previously served as minister of state and a senator, is contesting the seat against DLP candidate Felicia Dujon and independents Alex Mitchell and Steffanie Williams. (SM)