Everyone wants a seat at the table! It is one of the most exciting times in Barbadian politics since 2018. In 2018 the Barbados Labour Party under the leadership of Mia Amor Mottley, won the General Election unanimously, taking all 30 seats. In 2022, while Barbados was under covid 19 protocols, they won all 30 seats again. Since that time there has been no excitement in Barbadian politics. In 2025, there are many that believe that there are constituency seats ripe for the taking. Who doesn’t want a seat at the table?
After the 2018 General Election, Rev. Joseph Atherley crossed the floor and became the Opposition Leader and the only member of the opposition. In 2024 Ralph Thorne crossed the floor and became the Opposition Leader. The only difference in those movements is that Ralph Thorne didn’t form his own political party. He joined the Democratic Labour Party. And wouldn’t you know, he got a seat at the DLP Table; he became the Political Leader!
Both of those men saw an opportunity and they took it. Now Thorne, who already has a seat in Parliament, is looking for a seat at the Barbadian Political Table in the next General Election. Did I say it is one of the most exciting times in Barbadian politics since 2018? But not for the reasons some would like you to believe. Barbadian politics isn’t exciting because the DLP seems to be rising from the ashes. It is exciting because there are new faces and new voices speaking boldly and loudly in the political arena. Everyone wants a seat at the Barbadian Political Table but the Barbados Conservative Leadership Party (The Leadership Party) was not formed to simply get a seat. The Leadership Party was formed to respond to the lack of serious opposition in Barbados.
Everyone wants a seat at the Table but as our grandparents would say “ya does want things until ya get it”. Those who are have a seat at the Barbadian Political Table are eating and drinking while their constituents are suffering. They are sitting and standing in the seat of the opposition but there is no pressure on the ruling party. The ruling party is still “Gatherin” and picnicking at every opportunity.
Everyone wants a seat at the Table but no one wants to address the elephant in the room: The present and future of all Barbadians people at home and abroad. We want all Barbadians to have a secure and prosperous present and future. That will only be possible if we make the right decisions now. So while those at the table are dancing and pontificating we the Leadership Party will continue to speak for all Barbadians and all who call this beautiful country “Home”.