Thompson

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) early yesterday ended 14 years in the political wilderness when it scored a decisive electoral victory over the Owen Arthur-led Barbados Labour Party (BLP), which was seeking an unprecedented fourth term in office.

With a recount due in one constituency yesterday, the DLP, led by 46-year-old attorney-at-law David Thompson, secured 20 seats in the 30-seat House of Assembly, with the BLP winning nine. The disputed seat in the rural St Andrew riding was originally called for a BLP back-bencher in the last administration.

Prime Minister Owen Arthur and his deputy Mia Mottley easily retained their seats, but among the casualties were several government ministers in the outgoing administration.

Among those on the losing end were: former Housing Minister Reginald Farley; Energy Minister Elizabeth Thompson; Education Minister Anthony Wood, Tourism Minister Noel Lynch; Social Transportation Minister Trevor Prescod; Junior Finance Minister Clyde Mascoll and Health Minister Jerome Walcott.

The DLP, which campaigned on a platform for change in the intense three-week campaign, swept the majority of seats in the urban St. Michael area and all but one of the five seats in the southern parish of Christ Church.

In a victory speech to jubilant party supporters at DLP party headquarters on George Street, the Prime Minister-elect said "I thank the people of Barbados."

Support from young people

He attributed the victory to strong support from Barbadian youth.

"It is clear that young people did vote in large numbers, based on my own assessment of what happened in St. John, and I saw it in other constituencies as well.

"I think they had every reason to want to vote in larger numbers than usual because of the fact that there was a lot at stake for them. I am happy that we have the support of the young people of Barbados," he added.

In his concession speech, Arthur thanked Barbadians for allowing him to serve as Prime Minister for three consecutive terms, and said while his party ran a good campaign the desire for change was too strong for it to secure another term.

"The people had a choice and they made a choice - democracy in action. I believe that it will strengthen Barbados' reputation as being a primary democracy not only in the region but across the world.

"We have had a free and fair election - free of any serious violence, free of any corruption or any other kind of rancour that attends elections in other countries, and we have concluded this election, and that there has been a change in a peaceful way is a credit to this democracy," he added.

Hold your heads up high

While not being prepared to fully reflect on his political future, the 58-year-old economist said that was a matter to be discussed with his parliamentary colleagues but he urged party supporters to hold their heads up high.

"I leave office with no rancour, but I would only say to the BLP: Keep your chin up. In the 69 years of our party, we have gone this way before.

"The Labour Party has given of its best in this campaign, and I have given of my very best, and I now look forward to be part of that team that will once again start about the process of rebuilding the oldest and the grandest political party in the Caribbean," he added.