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televisionThe Democratic Labour Party’s youth wing has voiced its opposition to the recent expulsion of two senior party officials and accused the arrival of political leader Ralph Thorne of further deepening rifts within the 68-year-old opposition party.
Tyra Trotman, Chairperson of the Young Democrats Barbados Today The expulsion of chairman Dr Ronnie Yearwood and secretary Steve Blackett on Thursday night was “unfair” and “harsh”.
“I don’t think it’s fair. I think it’s a draconian measure, and the way it was implemented is what really bothers me,” Trotman said. She compared the situation to a domestic dispute, saying: “When the head of the household kicks someone out of the house, you know for sure it’s almost impossible to get them back. It’s like the final blow, the death sentence.”
The expulsion comes amid ongoing conflict within the SLP, which has been further exacerbated by the recent defection of Ralph Thorne, a member of the ruling Barbados Labour Party, to Christ Church.
Trotman noted that “there were divisions within the SDLP before Mr Ralph Thorne arrived. His arrival only made things worse.”
According to Trotman, there is a faction within the SLP that has long been unhappy with Dr Yearwood’s leadership style. She also raised concerns about the legality of the expulsion process, questioning the composition and impartiality of the disciplinary committee.
“There was a disciplinary committee in place before Mr Thorne came on board but that appears to have been disbanded. The people who are now on the disciplinary committee were not members before so I don’t even know what the process was for appointing them,” she said.
Ms Trotman argued that the initial suspension and subsequent expulsion of Dr Yearwood and Mr Blackett were unconstitutional. She praised both men for their contributions to the party, especially during difficult times.
“Both gentlemen should be commended regardless for their contribution to the SLP at a time when its prospects were very bleak,” Trotman said. She praised Dr Yearwood’s leadership, including initiatives such as the People’s House, regional conferences and the launch of the candidate selection process.
The Young Democrats president reflected on her own decision to join the SLP: “It is because of (them) that most of you know me in politics.”
“So it is deeply unfair that we have now reached this point, to see these two gentlemen expelled,” she said, stressing that this could have long-term consequences for the party’s unity and future prospects. (RG)
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