BLP nominee Munro-Knight opens constituency office, emphasises access and service

Just over a year after securing the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) nomination for Christ Church South, Senator Dr Shantal Munro-Knight has opened her constituency office, signalling organisational readiness ahead of any possible general election.

The office on Maxwell Main Road was officially opened on Friday night in the presence of party colleagues, supporters and residents. The nominee said said the move followed repeated concerns raised during her walkabouts about access to representation in the constituency.

“As I have walked the length and breadth of this constituency, everywhere the resounding question has always been, ‘Where is your office?’” she said.

Dr Munro-Knight has replaced former BLP representative Ralph Thorne, who is now the Leader of the Opposition. She said the office would function as both a campaign and constituency space and would not be restricted to party supporters.

She told residents that her decision to seek office was grounded in service rather than ambition, while noting that she had not envisioned a political role for herself years ago.

“I have come to you with only one desire in my heart, and that is to serve,” she said, adding that she expects to be held accountable. “That is what I am asking you to hold me to – how I serve you.”

She pointed to work already underway in the constituency and referenced her support for a commemorative wall honouring fisherfolk in Oistins, intended to recognise “the hard work and the blood and the sweat and the tears” of those in the industry.

She also spoke about the Silver Spoon Programme, which provides meals for elderly residents. She said the initiative was inspired by an older man she met while canvassing who lacked basic utilities but maintained a strong sense of dignity. In addition, she highlighted a self-empowerment programme for young women that brings participants together and facilitates internship opportunities.

Dr Munro-Knight said she intends to continue door-to-door engagement and daily interaction with residents, regardless of when an election is called.

“The best way to lead is when you see, feel and hear people. I only know how to win one way, and that is by seeing, feeling and hearing people on the ground with good representation.”

A number of party officials attended the opening, including MPs Wilfred Abrahams, William Duguid, Chad Blackman, Kerrie Symmonds and Ryan Straughn.

Also present was acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw, who told the gathering that Dr Munro-Knight was already functioning as the constituency’s representative in practice.

She also described the nominee as persistent in raising constituency issues. “She has listened, she has made my life miserable, telling me about every road that needs to be done across this constituency, every drain that needs to be cleaned, every light that needs to be installed, and she’s not yet the representative,” Bradshaw said.

She confirmed that Dr Munro-Knight has already identified road and drainage issues across the constituency and that funding has been allocated through the Ministry of Transport and Works to begin addressing them.

“From January of 2026 and not 2027, the intention of MTW and this government is to make sure that we roll out an aggressive programme,” Bradshaw said.

MP for Christ Church East, Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams, also endorsed Dr Munro-Knight, telling residents, “With the clearest conscience in the world, vote for us. This is a good woman coming to represent you all.” (DT)