Lashley’s return to politics stirs mixed feelings in City

Veteran politician and attorney-at-law Michael Lashley’s decision to contest the City of Bridgetown seat for the Barbados Labour Party has sparked sharply divided views among residents, some welcoming his experience while others question his political crossover.

The City has long proven to be a complicated constituency, spanning a wide geographical area from Bayland to Kensington. Many residents say the location of their homes has left them feeling neglected or marginalised, with concerns often falling through the cracks.

So far, two candidates have stepped forward to contest the City seat.

Lashley, a prominent criminal barrister for more than 31 years and former Democratic Labour Party Member of Parliament for St Philip North also previously served as Minister of Housing under the DLP. He won the St Philip North seat in 2003 and retained it in every election until the BLP’s landslide victory in 2018. He served in the DLP for over 15 years before resigning from the party late last year and joining the Labour Party.

The DLP candidate, Dale Rowe, a financial adviser and tourism expert, joined the DLP in 2022 and was officially nominated as the party’s candidate for the City constituency last January.

While the general election is constitutionally due by 2027, speculation is mounting that the bell could ring much sooner. In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in political activity across the island, with residents questioning whether election may be called early. Labour members have been increasing their presence in communities nationwide, with the Dems not far behind.

Historically, The City constituency has been a stronghold for the Barbados Labour Party for more than 30 years, holding the seat from 1971 to 2003 and again from 2013 to the present. The City has been represented by political heavyweights including Elliott Mottley, Dame Billie Miller, President Jeffrey Bostic and, most recently, Corey Lane.

On Saturday, nearly a year after resigning from his ministerial portfolio as Minister responsible for Crime Prevention, Lane announced that he would not be seeking re-election in the next general election. Lane was elected to The City seat in 2022 and served a single term.

Despite its long-standing political history, residents say they have often felt a lack of representation from their Member of Parliament.

On Wednesday, Lashley formally announced that he would be seeking nomination for The City constituency under the Labour banner.

Mark, a resident of Greenfield, disagreed strongly with Lashley’s decision, arguing that the attorney was the DLP’s last real chance of securing a seat at the next general election.

“That’s a failure… He was the last hope, Lashley. There’s no hope. Who going to win?” Mark asked.

But Frederick, another resident, held a different view.

“I believe the man has something to give to Barbados,” he said, adding that the DLP should allow younger people to take the lead while being guided by experienced members.

Another lifelong resident said he believes Lashley may offer more than previous representatives.

“I just want to see he. I feel we will more get something from Lashley than the rest because I never see the other one…” he said.

Sarah, who has lived in Greenfield for 45 years, said she was pleased when she heard of Lashley’s decision.

“Michael Lashley is a real good man. I’m glad he’s running for The City because he’ll do a lot,” she said, expressing hope that he could help residents access job opportunities. “He will help.”

In Bayland, an elderly resident, Rose, said she would welcome the change.

“There ain’t no person else that I familiar with, so long as he help us,” she said.

The elderly resident explained that for years she has had to pay out of pocket to clean the canal near the Bayview Hospital and hopes the next MP will take responsibility for the issue.

“Put a young person who would have respect and do the work. I think a young person should be given a chance,” she said.

On Lawrence Avenue in Bayland, residents were cautiously optimistic about what Lashley may bring, though past experiences have left some sceptical.

“He’s not a bad person,” one resident said. “But when these people not in the seat yet, they does give you a whole run around, and when they get in it’s a whole different scenario. So people does be frighten.”

Another resident, Kia, said she believes Lashley could assist with housing and opportunities for young people.

“You have to be strong and come and have an understanding with the people, because you’re gonna meet good people and you’re gonna meet bad people,” she said. “I like the way he spoke to the young people yesterday.”

In Dunlow Lane, residents said they only see political representatives during election periods, with many of their concerns going unanswered.

A 62-year-old woman who has lived in the area her entire life expressed frustration over a 30-foot well that was cleaned by the Drainage Department and left uncovered.

“They clean that in July/August and that open there since then. I tired of complaining to the authorities. If you want to do anything for we out here, tell them that,” she said.

Concerned for the safety of children who frequent the area, she added: “We got little children ‘bout here running ‘bout. I want to know if people in their right thinking mind does think ‘bout these things.”

“They don’t do nothing out here for we. We gotta battle for weself,” she exclaimed. “Don’t nobody do nothing for we out here, whether B, D or L.”

Some men in the area said they feel overlooked compared with other communities but acknowledged that the DLP candidate, Rowe, has already visited.

“He come through already. He come Christmas Day and give real presents to the children,” said Larry Hanson.

Hanson said the responsibility is now on Lashley to engage residents directly.

The tradesman stressed the need for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people.

“We got entrepreneurs here, these fishermen. We just want a little start. Mostly work, because we ain’t for no handouts. Give we a little contract to get something,” he said. “Too much youngsters ain’t doing nothing.”

He noted that he currently works with the National Conservation Commission on a beach-cleaning project, crediting St Michael South MP Kirk Humphrey for that opportunity.

Meanwhile, 65-year-old tailor Robert Jones said he hopes the government will reinstate the non-contributory pension.

“When I can’t pay rent anymore, I gotta live down by the treasury and cook my food in the road… Bring back old age pension for fishermen, carpenters, masons, tailors,” he said.

Jones, who has lived in the area his entire life and worked as a tailor for more than 50 years, said the next candidate must advocate for skilled workers who were unable to contribute consistently to the National Insurance Scheme.

“Even if he lying, I go vote for he. Even if he promise to bring it back, I go vote for he. Otherwise we can’t vote for he,” he said.

For residents of The City, one thing is clear: they want a visible, present representative, and tangible action on long-standing issues such as employment, housing and community maintenance.