Just a month after nominating fresh candidates for St Joseph and St Thomas, the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has confirmed that another two internal elections are slated for mid-January.
Nomination for St Michael Central and the City of Bridgetown have been confirmed, setting the stage for two closely watched internal contests as the governing party accelerates preparations for the next general election.
BLP chief executive officer Senator Pat Parris confirmed that a nomination for St Michael Central will be held on Thursday, January 15, at Combermere School at 6 p.m.
“What I can say to you is that there will be a nomination for the St Michael Central branch of the Barbados Labour Party to choose a candidate who will represent [the constituency] in the next General Election,” Parris said.
Pressed on whether Speaker of the House and sitting Member of Parliament (MP) for St Michael Central Arthur Holder would be seeking renomination, Parris declined to comment. She was equally tight-lipped about whether the sitting MP for The City, Corey Lane, would be seeking a second term.
“Any other information you would like to receive as it relates to the candidates and whether or not the Speaker will be running again, you will have to speak to the general secretary or the political leader,” she said. “I’m only responsible for the logistical aspects of it.”
The Saturday Sun tried unsuccessfully to reach BLP general secretary Senator The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott on this matter.
However, attorney Tyra Trotman confirmed yesterday she was offering herself for the St Michael Central nomination and disclosed that Holder would not be running again.
“No, he’s not returning to elective politics,” she said, noting that she had his blessing to contest the seat. “If I did not have his blessing, I would not be putting myself up to be a nominee for that position.”
Trotman said her candidacy was the natural continuation of work she was already doing in the constituency for about two years, including before switching from the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).
“I just continued to work, continued to stay on the ground, forming relations with the persons of the constituency, listening to their concerns, helping where I can,” she said. “Oftentimes being a listening ear and relaying those issues back to Mr Holder.”
When contacted, Holder said he was not in a position to speak to the matter at the time.
About two months ago when contacted by this newspaper about constituents at Bellevue, St Michael, who were in the process of receiving water connections, Holder, when asked about his candidacy in the upcoming General Election, stated: “Yes, as far as I know I am running back. I am who delivered the letters myself.”
Parris confirmed the City of Bridgetown nomination.
“Oh yes, we have a nomination in the City of Bridgetown on January 17 at the Westbury Primary School,” she said, adding that other constituency nominations have not yet been scheduled.
The City contest has already generated speculation, with Henderson Williams and attorney Michael Lashley being touted in political circles as possible contenders.
Williams, who previously contested The City under the DLP banner, said he was not currently seeking the nomination but made it clear he remained open.
“At this point, no, unless something changes drastically. Officially, I do always try to look out for the interest of The City; that’s where I’m from,” he said.
Now aligned with the BLP, Williams confirmed that he served as an adviser to the sitting MP and assisted with campaign management at the last General Election.
“So, like I said, I’m with the Barbados Labour Party and I’m willing to assist,” he said, adding that if asked to run, “of course” he would consider it. “At the end of the day, it’s really about doing good for The City and City folks.”
Lashley, when contacted, said he had “no comment”.
When reached, Lane would neither confirm nor deny whether he intends to seek re-election.
“I was elected to serve five years and that is what I have done,” he said, adding that any further clarification would have to come from the “top brass” of the BLP.
Parris, meanwhile, reminded that nomination meetings form part of a wider selection framework under the party’s constitution.
“There is a process that all candidates who are seeking to run for an election must go through,” she said, noting that the National Council also retains the authority to select candidates in certain circumstances. (CLM)
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