BLP promises “honest conversations” at annual conference

The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has promised “honest discussions” with supporters and constituents at its 87th Annual Conference next weekend.

Conference chair and MP for St George North, Toni Moore, said the three‑day gathering being held under the theme “Building Beyond the Victory” will move past political celebration and focus on frank dialogue about the party and national priorities.

“We will not only be speaking to the people, [but] we’ll be speaking with them,” she told a media conference on Thursday. Those discussions are expected to include the party leadership, MPs, constituency assistants and personal assistants.

“It is not about the excitement or celebrating the victory at the polls eight months ago. It is about how we are going to deliver on what people expect from us — how we are going to deliver our services in a way that people can see and feel, in a tangible way, that there is a difference and that they are benefiting from it.”

BLP Conference Chair Toni Moore

Youth policy will be part of the agenda. President of the League of Young Socialists Kimar Hinds said the youth arm will present a resolution on modernising the country’s infrastructure, as well as “the responsible and transparent usage of artificial intelligence”.

The conference will be held next Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the St George Secondary School, with Prime Minister Mia Mottley scheduled to deliver the keynote address.

The BLP plans to honour more than 40 contributors to national and party life during the conference.

CEO Pat Parris said the awards will celebrate excellence across its branches and the wider community.

Thirty-two stalwarts will be awarded, one from each of the 30 constituency branches, along with representatives from the Women’s League and the League of Young Socialists.

Ten individuals will also be recognised for outstanding contributions to sports, while the Barbados Under‑19 Men’s Cricket Team and the Barbados Boys Under‑20 4x400m relay team will be honoured for their record‑breaking run at the 2026 CARIFTA Games.

The ceremony will further include two innovation awards and the presentation of the party’s major honours: the Sir David Simmons Award, Ermie Bourne Award, Chessel Rock Award, Milroy Reece, Chairman’s Award, and the BLP’s highest distinction, the Grantley Adams Award.

Parris also paid tribute to outgoing Chairman, The Most Honourable Reginald Farley, thanking him for his leadership over the past three years. He will be succeeded by MP Kirk Humphrey.

The awards ceremony begins at 8 p.m. next Friday, following a cocktail reception.

(BT)