Dems declare readiness for general election amid snap poll talk

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) insisted on Monday it is fully prepared for a general election amid speculation of an early poll, with executive council member Senator Andre Worrell questioning the governing Barbados Labour Party’s motives and unity.

Senator Worrell said: “When the election is called, the party will be ready. We are not panicking about it. We are ready to face an election, and I think that Barbados is ready for a change.

“A lot of persons are not happy with some of the decisions being made by the Mia Mottley-led government.”

Senator Worrell questioned the rationale for another early election, pointing to the last snap poll and its aftermath.

“If a government claims to be so good at what it is doing, why rush an election? People need to look at it from that perspective — why the rush?” he said.

“The last time they rushed the election, they quickly surprised Barbadians after the election with another [International Monetary Fund] agreement, which resulted in many Barbadians losing jobs and being returned to state organisations on contracts.”

He further questioned what, in his view, could follow another early election.

Senator Worrell dismissed scepticism about the DLP’s readiness, describing it as BLP propaganda.

“They’re using that as their tool to give confidence to the government, but the DLP is very much ready and very much together,” he said. “We are working consistently with our political leader and Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne.”

He also raised questions about unity within Labour, citing rumours circulating in several constituencies.

“There have been many rumours that within St Michael Central they were trying to replace the currently sitting MP with another candidate,” Senator Worrell said. “In other constituencies, including St Philip North, there are also rumours of attempts to force out sitting MPs.”

The DLP, meanwhile, has focused on consistent grassroots engagement, he said.

“I like to listen to the constituents and hear their concerns, because that helps you to get a gauge of what is needed within the constituency,” he said.

“That gives me an opportunity to get to know people, so we’ve been doing the groundwork.”

General Secretary Pedro Shepherd confirmed that candidates across all constituencies have intensified their outreach efforts.

“It is election season, so the major work to be done in the constituencies is canvassing,” Shepherd said.

“All branches are being activated in preparation for the upcoming general election.

We don’t know when it will be called, but we are fully prepared.”

(LG)