DLP Annual Conference Ends Prematurely Amid Controversial Motion: Chaos Erupts, Barbados Police Called In

Utter chaos engulfed the second day of the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) Annual Conference yesterday forcing a premature end to it and the calling in of the Barbados Police Service to restore order.

The source of the commotion was a controversial motion from the floor, seeking to reinstate former president Dr Ronnie Yearwood and former general secretary Steve Blackett who were expelled on August 15.

The disruption began almost immediately after the conference was called to order under the chairmanship of Acting President Andre Worrell, with Pedro Shepherd serving as interim General Secretary.

A party member introduced a motion for Walter Maloney to chair the conference, a move that was voted on by a portion of those present. This was swiftly followed by a vote to reinstate Yearwood and Blackett, leading to a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Errol Walton Barrow Auditorium of the party’s headquarters in George Street, Belleville, St Michael. Neither Yearwood nor Blackett was present when the proceedings started but appeared after calls informing them they had been reinstated with Blackett arriving first and Yearwood about two hours after him.

Despite the interim leadership’s efforts to maintain order, the situation deteriorated rapidly, prompting the party to seek intervention from the police. Attempts to restart the conference were made at least three times, each ending in failure and at one point, a standoff occurred at the head table, with Yearwood and Maloney refusing to yield to Shepherd and Worrell.

This confrontation resulted in both factions of the party claiming legitimacy over the leadership.

Approximately a dozen police officers were dispatched to the scene as the situation threatened to spiral out

of control. The officers remained on the premises from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., conducting investigations until the event was ultimately suspended. Outside several arguments ensued between members as the blame was tossed around as to who was responsible for the chaotic state of affairs.

Blackett was the first to arrive on the party’s premises, greeted by a group of cheering supporters and expressed gratitude to those who stood by him, stating: “The people have turned up for us, and therefore I am absolutely thankful to them. They have my gratitude in the depths of my heart. I will be forever grateful to them.”

Yearwood, speaking to his supporters at the conclusion of the disrupted meeting, echoed Blackett’s sentiments.