Bradshaw says leadership crucial

Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw says Barbados now stands at a crossroads where leadership, experience and steadiness will determine how the country navigates an increasingly uncertain global and regional environment.

She was speaking last Saturday night at the Barbados Labour Party’s (BLP) City of Bridgetown nomination meeting at Westbury Primary School, moments before Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced February 11 as the date for the next General Election.

Bradshaw framed the party’s campaign as a continuation of firm and tested leadership during challenging times.

“Leadership must matter in this country,” she told supporters, pointing to economic recovery, employment levels and Barbados’ restored international standing as evidence of the BLP’s stewardship.

“A leadership that has stood firm, that has told us to stay the course, that has taken us out of the downgrades and put us back where Barbados is recognised again by our Caribbean brothers.”

She welcomed former Democratic Labour Party (DLP) figures Michael Lashley, newly nominated for The City of Bridgetown, and Tyra Trotman (St Michael Central), describing their decisions to join the BLP as reflective of confidence in the party’s leadership rather than opportunism.

“What is it that has drawn Michael Lashley and Tyra Trotman to the Barbados Labour Party? Michael put it the right way – he said he is here because of the leadership of the Barbados Labour Party.”

Acknowledging Lashley’s past criticism of the BLP, Bradshaw struck a conciliatory note while emphasising unity within the party.

“Michael Lashley, I forgive you, because you were giving licks when we [were] in Opposition. But you are here tonight as a man coming to the people to represent the people of The City of Bridgetown.”

She added that Lashley’s legal background and experience in housing policy – he being a former Minister of Housing and Lands under the DLP – would be assets, particularly as the Government continued its focus on community development, housing delivery and legal reform.

At the same time, she warned that the BLP’s openness to new members did not signal a dilution of standards.

“The Barbados Labour Party is a party for all Barbadians. But we will not hesitate to treat you the way we treat the . . . if you don’t follow the orders and the way of the Barbados Labour Party.”

Bradshaw, who is also Minister of Transport and Works, said the current political moment required proven leadership rather than experimentation, citing global instability, regional pressures and climate-related challenges.

She added the party had already adjusted how it plans and delivers infrastructure works, particularly road rehabilitation, to account for changing weather patterns.

“Our dry season essentially is January to June. When people see roadworks starting, it is not because of any election. It is because this Barbados Labour Party has planned its infrastructure programme to deliver on the promises we have made to the country,” she said.

She highlighted ongoing work on bridges and major roads, noting that long-standing studies had been revisited and updated rather than shelved.

“We do not believe in leaving documents idle and spending money simply for people to benefit from consultancies.”

She also pushed back against criticism of Government’s handling of transport and public infrastructure, pointing to the expansion of the electric bus fleet as evidence of forward planning.

Barbados now has 121 electric buses in operation, the largest such fleet in this part of the hemisphere, she said. (CLM)

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