‘Ready’ to join forces

The People’s Coalition for Progress (PCP) has signalled its willingness to forge alliances with both the Democratic Labour Party and the Friends of Democracy in the aftermath of Wednesday’s General Election results.

Meanwhile, one of its key leaders has knocked Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s proposed constitutional amendments.

Kemar Stuart, head of the New National Party and a member of the PCP, said the coalition was prepared to work with all opposition forces.

Collaboration

“We are open to collaboration with the Friends of Democracy, and we are also open to the idea of all the opposing forces, including the Democratic Labour Party, coming together,” said Stuart, who contested the St John seat.

“None of us are in Parliament. For all of the parties, including and especially the Democratic Labour Party, we should all seek to join forces and work together moving forward.”

Lynette Eastmond, head of the United Progressive Party and also PCP member, sharply criticised the Prime Minister’s announcement that her parliamentary party planned to introduce antidefection legislation requiring Members of Parliament who leave their party to cross the floor to seek fresh mandates from constituents.

Freedom of association

“I have come to understand that the Prime Minister of Barbados plans to amend the Constitution of Barbados in order to deprive Barbadians of the right of freedom of association,” Eastmond said. “Barbadians are born free. They’re born under a Constitution where they have certain fundamental rights and freedoms. One of those rights is freedom of association.”

Eastmond, who ran in St Philip West, questioned the necessity of such a fundamental constitutional change, arguing that the Constitution was deliberately crafted to allow Members of Parliament the freedom to disassociate from a particular party.

“Usually, when you are going to do something as fundamental as changing the Constitution, there must be a significant mischief that you’re trying to cure,” she said. “I do not see the mischief other than you are upset because you have had two defections. It shouldn’t be so in Barbados. We’re in a very dark place at the moment.”

Stuart struck a conciliatory tone regarding other aspects of the election outcome. He thanked voters who supported PCP candidates and congratulated Prime Minister Mottley on securing her third consecutive victory.

He also addressed the Prime Minister’s offer of Senate seats to the Democratic Labour Party, suggesting a more inclusive approach should be taken.

“My initial suggestion was that the President of the country offer the other political parties Independent Senate seats,” he stated. “I think a much better way to go about it would be to offer all of the major performing parties Independent Senate seats.”

In relation to the future of the coalition, Stuart said: “We have to meet and then make our decision based on the results that we saw at the polls. Obviously, we need to strengthen the organisation.” (DDS)

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