1 week Ago By Shanna Moore
P rime Minister Mia Mottley and the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) hold the political advantage in the pending St James North by-election, despite the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) early candidate announcement, according to political scientist Devaron Bruce. Bruce told Barbados TODAY that with the by-election date still unannounced, the prime minister remains in full control of the electoral timeline — a critical factor that could influence the outcome in the BLP’s favour. “In terms of strategy, all the cards rest with the prime minister,” he said.
“She has 90 days to call the by-election and will do so when it’s most advantageous. Given the history, the trajectory is already headed in one direction.” The seat became vacant following the resignation of long-standing BLP parliamentarian Edmund Hinkson, who served the constituency since 2013.
Government Senator Chad Blackman has since been ratified as the BLP’s candidate, while the DLP is fielding political activist, social advocate and educator Felicia Dujon. You Might Be Interested In Crystal Beckles-Holder, 2nd runner up in regional competition GUYANA: Body of child found after gold mine collapses Barbadians asked to help with return tickets for Haitians Bruce argued that Blackman enters the race with momentum and backing that few first-time candidates enjoy. “He has the strong support of the party and the prime minister and has received quite a bit of elevation in a short time — whether in innovation, finance, or education,” he said.
“He also has significant financial and human resources behind him.” Bruce, who described the St James North seat as an “esteemed” one, also noted Blackman’s family legacy in public service, noting that his grandfather had represented St Peter in the past. While Dujon has dismissed suggestions that she cannot win — insisting that God and the voters will determine the outcome — Bruce maintained the DLP faces a steep challenge.
“The people will always have a say, but we’ve seen how the people have voted,” he said. “The Democratic Labour Party only received a small percentage of the vote in 2022. There’s a long history of strong support for the BLP in this constituency, and nothing on the political landscape suggests otherwise.
” The political analyst said the by-election may be less about winning and more about how the DLP chooses to fight. “They now have to tell the people why history should turn another way in this constituency..
. what are they doing differently, and why is the party in a better place than it has been in the past 30 years,” he said adding that the Ralph Thorne-led DLP must now decide whether to use the by-election as a strategic exercise ahead of the general election or risk draining their already limited resources in a constituency that remains tough to crack . (SM).
