Reform party zeros in on cost of living

Reform Barbados has emerged as the latest third party looking to contest the upcoming General Election, with founder Steve Prescott saying he will most likely seek the Christ Church East seat as his family resides in Parish Land.

Speaking at his Durants, Christ Church home yesterday, Prescott said the party was still finalising its slate of candidates.

British-born Prescott, whose father left Barbados in 1960, said he has been canvassing informally since 2016 but would begin more impactful campaigning soon. 

His platform, he said, would centre on economic reform and addressing the cost of living crisis. He cited statistics showing 75 per cent of taxpayers earn under $1 000 weekly, while the minimum wage of $10.71 required workers to spend three hours of labour to purchase a chicken.

“Right now, Bajans are suffering and nobody seems to talk about it in great detail from the political benches,” Prescott said. “The cost of living doesn’t seem as though it’s really a big issue in terms of politics. Nobody is addressing the issue. I need to.”

He said his political motivation stemmed from observing his family’s living conditions over four decades. 

“I realised, having come 40 years later, I didn’t see a huge amount of improvement, a huge amount of change in the area in 40 years.”

He pointed to persistent youth unemployment at around 30 per cent over recent decades and argued that economic policy must be reformed. 

“What there should be is policy that helps create the conditions for the success of every Bajan family
so that they can advance.”

The Reform Barbados leader questioned the country’s economic progress since Independence. 

“Six decades of Independence hasn’t produced economic independence. When was the last time any of us had plenty? When was the last time any of us were not in need?”

Prescott, who relocated to Barbados two years ago to pursue his political ambitions, said informal conversations with residents suggested an appetite for change. 

He added that when he asked them if they would vote for the established parties or “something brand new, fresh and different”, they consistently chose the latter.

However, he acknowledged the challenge facing third parties. 

“A lot of Barbadians don’t think a third party can succeed,” he said, pointing to Solutions Barbados, which contested two General Elections before fading from the political scene.

Nevertheless, Prescott said, he is committed to leaving his mark: “If I can do something to move the needle in Barbadian politics, to do something to allow Barbados to grow better than it is, then I’ll feel like I’ve done something worthwhile.”

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