Power company: Safety hazards

Take them down!

That is the clear message being sent by the Barbados Light & Power Company (BL&P) as election campaigning intensifies.

The company has renewed warnings that campaign posters and signs must not be placed on utility poles because of the serious danger they pose to both the public and BL&P workers.

Since Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley rang the bell last Saturday, supporters from the two major political parties have been out and about plastering posters on poles across various constituencies.

The power company yesterday reiterated that “placing unauthorised signs or any other materials on utility poles is dangerous”, stressing that “the long-standing practice puts both the public and Light & Power crews at serious risk and should be discontinued”.

It pointed out that items such as posters, nails, staples and tacks create multiple safety hazards. 

“Staples, tacks and similar devices equal danger for our linesmen, who climb poles for maintenance,” BL&P cautioned, noting that these objects often remained embedded in poles long after posters were removed. It stated that when they come into contact with climbing spurs used by linesmen, they “can cause dangerous falls and severe injury”.

The company appealed directly to the political parties, candidates and their supports, asking them to “remove any items that have already been placed without delay”.

In addition to the physical danger, the company further warned posting on poles “also interferes with routine work, delays emergency response when pole numbers are covered and exposes non-utility workers to potentially fatal electrical hazards. Pole ID numbers must always remain visible. They allow Light & Power crews to respond quickly during emergencies”. Covered numbers mean “delayed response which equals compromised public safety”.

BL&P also pointed to damage to protective equipment, explaining that “nails can puncture boots and protective clothing, exposing workers to life-threatening hazards while performing essential maintenance for customers”. Posters placed at heights where ladders must be positioned further compound the risk, as “this slows routine work and increases the chance of accidents”.

The BL&P said while they recognised that posters might be placed on their poles in spite of this appeal, they were advising to use only glue or tape.

In response, a spokesperson for political party Friends of Democracy said the warning had already been factored into the party’s campaign approach.

“Yes, we are aware of the message from the BL&P and that has been taken into consideration regarding our marketing and branding strategy,” the spokesperson said. 

“No posters have been put up as yet and so there is nothing for us to remove. We have not given
any instructions as yet. That briefing of our support base will happen when we give the posters to them for distribution.”

The spokesperson added that the party intended to lean heavily on online outreach. “In 2026, the digital space is just as important as the physical and so while we will utilise the traditional methods of promotion, the greatest billboard or pole we can put a poster on is the one that everyone, old and young, carries around with them (their phones) and so we are going to make full use of the Internet in our strategies for visibility and promotion.”

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) said it also recognised the risks and had issued clear instructions to its candidates and supporters regarding where and how signage might be placed.

“The Democratic Labour Party takes public safety seriously and is fully aware that the improper placement of posters, particularly through the use of nails, staples, or unsafe mounting practices can pose risks to utility workers, road users and the wider public,” the party said in a statement to the MIDWEEK NATION.

The DLP noted that concerns over signage were not new, stating: “This is not a new issue in Barbadian elections . . . which is precisely why campaigns must be guided by clear rules, good judgement and respect for national infrastructure.”

While acknowledging that signage might be placed on poles “in keeping with established practice”, the party said they were aware that
traffic signs and restricted public assets remained strictly off-limits.

“There are designated and approved spaces for political signage, including private property with the owner’s consent, campaign offices, temporary frames and other lawful advertising locations.”

The party said it had implemented internal guidelines and monitoring systems, adding “the Democratic Labour Party commits to removing any posters found to be improperly placed, once identified or reported.

“Public safety must always take precedence over political visibility,” the DLP added.

The party statement said they would continue to promote its message with community meetings, canvassing, broadcast media, social media and digital platforms, “methods that allow for wide engagement without compromising public safety”.

Yesterday, Pat Parris, chief executive officer of the Barbados Labour Party, said they could not comment on the issue, noting: “We have not received any letter from the Barbados Light & Power.” 

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