Friends of Democracy (FOD) political party has announced the names of the first 12 candidates who will be contesting the next General Election in Barbados, when it is constitutionally due.
President Karina Goodridge, who will be in the St Philip West riding, said their candidates – a mix of old and new faces – comprised people from “diverse walks of life, each shaped by different experiences”.
Among the familiar faces are attorney Ricardo Harrison and Ricky “Laker” Williams, who previously contested seats as members of the Democratic Labour Party.
The party also welcomed Steffanie Williams, who was an independent candidate in the St James North by-election last May. She has remained vocal on social media and will be the spokesperson on issues relating to the Ministry of Transport and Works.
During the media conference this morning at Sugar Cane Mall, The City, Goodridge addressed several issues, including crime, governance and economic enfranchisement.
“For too long, power and capital have circulated only within the same circles – those with access to commercial banks, pension funds, shares, dividends, investments and generations of inherited wealth. We want to ensure that these things are available for the mass and not just a few,” Goodridge said.
The full list of candidates and portfolios:
President Karina Goodridge – National Security, Healthcare, Criminal Justice, Social Services and Economic Affairs (St Philip West)
B. Ricardo Harrison – Housing and Home Affairs, Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice (St Michael North)
Andwele Ricky Williams – Culture, Youth and Sports (St Michael North West)
Matthew Thorne – Tourism, Foreign Affairs and International Business (St James South)
Raymond Wiggins – Education, Training, Tertiary and Transformation (St Michael Central)
Anya Lorde – Family and Child Welfare and Gender Affairs (St Philip North)
Omar Smith – Agriculture and Food Security (St Philip South)
Kerry Thomas – Cultural Industries and Orange Economy and Community Development (St James Central)
Steffanie Williams – Ministry of Transport and Works (St James North)
Katrina Ramsey – Cyber Security and Technological Innovation (St Michael West Central)
Dominique Yorke – People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Disability and Mental Health Services (Christ Church East Central)
Orlando Davis – Labour, Small Business, Environment and National Development (St Lucy)
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