Democratic Labour Party Denounces Unauthorized Social Media Use Amid Turmoil

The Democratic Labour Party has denounced what it called the unauthorised use of its social media platforms by a group it described as “disaffected supporters of the party”.

In the latest development of ongoing turmoil within the opposition party that deepened with the expulsion of its president and general secretary, acting president Andre Worrell pointed to a meeting held on Sunday evening at the Ellerslie School, charging that a livestream of the event was not approved by the party’s hierarchy.

He denounced what he called the “unauthorised use” of the party’s social media platforms by a group of “disaffected supporters”.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed a small group of members have effectively commandeered these platforms and are now using them in a manner that undermines the party’s integrity and objectives,” Worrell said. He added that the party was investigating reports of missing equipment, believed to be in the possession of another member.

“These actions not only show a blatant disregard for the party’s constitution but also potentially violate the laws of Barbados,” he added.

“Such behaviour, driven by desperation, is deeply regrettable and stands in stark contrast to the values we uphold,” said Worrell.

News broke late Thursday night that the DLP’s General Council had met, received an extensive report from its disciplinary committee on an investigation into charges tabled against the suspended president and general secretary, and recommended their expulsion from the party.

But at the Ellerslie Secondary School meeting of “concerned DLP members”, former president Dr Yearwood passionately defended general secretary Blackett and made a strong case for generational transition within the party.

Praising Blackett’s selflessness, Dr Yearwood said: “What I admired about Steve Blackett is that he understood . . . that his season was at an end. And his purpose was to usher in the next generation.”

The expelled president argued that the future of both the party and the country depended on embracing new leadership and fostering opportunities for younger generations.

“Barbados as a whole is suffering because of the lack of opportunities for our young people and our young women to be ushered in as the next generation,” he said.

Yearwood further expressed his hope that more senior members of the DLP would understand that the health and longevity of the party depend on a smooth and willing transition of leadership.

“I wish more of the elders in the Democratic Labour Party, and I wish more of the elders in politics were like Steve Blackett. Because they would understand that when your season is drawing to a close, it is your role to usher in the next generation.”

Dr Yearwood called for a broader transformation within the DLP, urging the adoption of a “politics of newness” prioritising transparency and integrity. He warned that without a fundamental shift in the party’s culture, efforts to revitalise it would be in vain.

“We have to change our mindset. We have to become different. We have to dig deep and pull the better angels out of ourselves to become better people,” he urged.

He argued that without a fundamental shift in the party’s culture, efforts to form new political entities or revitalise the party would be in vain. “People have talked about forming a new political party and doing this and doing that. But my answer and my response to them is that the problems will still follow you in because we are not changing the culture of who we are.”

The UWI lecturer also challenged the DLP’s membership to reflect on the current trajectory of the party.

“If you are able to behave in this particular manner with such little power and little title, how will you behave when you are actually in public life with real power and real title?” he asked.

Dr Yearwood emphasised the power that party members hold in shaping the future of both the DLP and the nation.

“I want to give you the power because, ultimately, this is you,” he said. “You have to be empowered. You have to be impassioned to believe that you can make yourself and your country better. You shouldn’t have to depend on somebody for a handout. You shouldn’t have to depend on anybody because what we as leaders should do is create an environment so that you can be better.”

He further implored them to reflect on the true purpose of the DLP and to take action to ensure that it fulfils its role as a cornerstone of Barbadian democracy. “What is the Democratic Labour Party for? Who is the Democratic Labour Party for? And what is it supposed to do now? That’s up to you.” (RG)