Former DLP President Calls for Support for Democracy Amid Internal Party Dispute

Former President of the Democratic Labour Party ( DLP) Dr Ronnie Yearwood has called on Barbadians, especially the youth, to rally in support of democracy, warning that the party’s inability to resolve its internal issues could hinder the country’s progress.

“If we cannot fix the Democratic Labour Party, the expectations of fixing the country will be low,” he cautioned.

He made the comments after being barred from entering party headquarters to attend the annual conference on Sunday. Former General Secretary Steve Blackett and other high-ranking and ordinary members of the party, were also denied access, sparking outrage.

Dr Yearwood, lamented the impact of these developments on the party and the state of democracy in the country.

“Today is a regrettable day for democracy in our country,” he said, emphasizing that every member should have access to the conference, which serves as the party’s highest decision-making body. Yearwood reiterated that the members had previously confirmed their support for Blackett and himself, invalidating any attempts to demote them. “This morning, some of the very members who would have cast their votes were denied entry. This is not democracy,” he declared.

Blackett expressed his dismay over the situation to Barbados TODAY, highlighting the reversal of circumstances from the previous evening. “We are now being locked out this morning,” he stated, characterizing the situation as untenable and warning that it could escalate into a conflict that no one desires. “We have legitimate, fully paid-up members of the Democratic Labour Party who are being barred from entering the headquarters, which truly belongs to the members of the party,” he added.

Tyra Trotman, Chairperson of the Young Democrats, voiced her frustration after also being denied entry.

“I arrived this morning to exercise my rights as a member, but I’m being told that I’m not allowed in,” she said. Trotman, who confirmed that she is a financial member, expressed confusion over her exclusion and raised concerns about a list purportedly barring certain members from the premises. “I would love to know who was the author of that list and under what authority they had to create it,” she asserted, emphasizing that excluding members from the annual conference is unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, Walter Maloney, the DLP’s second vice president, also expressed his concern over the situation. He noted the series of changes that led to the current crisis, including a shift to in-person meetings and the introduction of online voting without consulting the members. “This disenfranchises persons who are unrepentant,” he stated, revealing that he had attempted to join a Zoom meeting but was blocked.

He condemned the actions of a small group within the party, claiming they are working to delegitimize the broader membership. “I decided that I would not enter, standing in solidarity with my fellow members,” he said, highlighting the need for unity among party members in the face of adversity. (RG)