Dr Ronnie Yearwood Re-elected President of Democratic Labour Party in Contested Elections

Dr Ronnie Yearwood successfully fought off the challenge from three opponents to retain the post of president of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).

To loud applause and the ringing of bells at the George Street headquarters, elections superintendent Ricky Harrison announced Yearwood had polled 422 votes.

The nearest challenger, Dr David Estwick, had 227; Ryan Walters 188; and former tourism minister, Richard Sealy, 29.

In his initial speech after the results were announced, Yearwood again called for unity within the “family”.

“We are one Democratic Labour Party family. We have one mission, we have one aim, and we will continue and we will go forward united,” he said, thanking those who took part in the process.

“United under this party, we will reach victory again. This party will rise from the ashes.”

Voting went smoothly, but hours before the internal elections, general secretary Steve Blackett called in the Barbados Police Service to investigate the theft of a part of the party’s membership list which comprised mainly new people.

Earlier in the day, he reported that incident had no effect on the proceedings.

Blackett was returned as general secretary with 510 votes to 290 from Kemar Stuart. Pedro Shepherd is the assistant general secretary with 365 votes.

Four vice presidents were also elected on the night.

Attorney Michael Lashley KC is first vice president with 497 votes, followed by retired trade unionist Walter Maloney (376), advocate Felicia Dujon (334) and former candidate Andre Worrell with 269.

Jeff Shepherd (358), edged Nicholas Alleyne by five votes for the position of treasurer.

The DLP is holding its 68th Annual Conference this weekend and events continue with a church service on Sunday.

During Friday night’s Opening Gala, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in memory of late Prime Minister Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford who passed away on June 26. (SAT)