DLP Faces Internal Strife as Women's League Considers Legal Action Against Party Leadership

Tensions within the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) notched up yet further on Tuesday, with members of the Democratic League of Women reportedly considering legal action against the party’s leadership, amid accusations of systemic mistreatment under the stewardship of Political Leader Ralph Thorne.

The situation intensified after the abrupt dismissal of former Senator Tricia Watson, an attorney, which has drawn sharp criticism from within the party. Watson, who was removed without prior notice, has received strong support from her colleagues, many of whom condemned the decision. Chairperson of the DLP’s youth arm, the Young Democrats, Tyra Trotman, described the action as “disrespectful, high-handed, and distasteful,” while calling into question Thorne’s leadership.

Trotman praised Watson for making substantial contributions in the Senate, suggesting her dismissal was emblematic of a broader issue of disrespect towards women in the DLP.

“You do not fire someone without first of all giving them notice and then second of all someone who has been working so hard in the Senate on your behalf. Out of the two senators, Tricia was the one who gave more substantial contributions,” Trotman told journalists in a press briefing at the Island Inn Hotel, hosted by the League.

Watson’s sacking was particularly criticised due to its timing, with supporters noting that she was grieving the loss of her father, former police commissioner Grantley Watson who died in early February. Trotman noted that despite her personal grief, Watson continued to fulfil her senatorial duties diligently, only to be abruptly dismissed.

Trotman went on to accuse the party’s leadership of violating several fundamental rights. “You have a right to humane treatment and dignity. That is also a constitutional right enshrined in the Constitution of Barbados. You have a right to earn a living, which you just heard [one longstanding member] say she was deprived of. We have a right to human dignity,” she declared, suggesting legal action may be imminent.

Further stressing the significance of the allegations, Trotman said: “You breached our international human rights. You breached our Barbados constitutional rights. You breached our Democratic Labour Party rights. And you are saying, Sir, that you are a man that believes in rights and democracy, and you’re bringing peace. I think not.” She declared that the fight for justice within the DLP was far from over.

The grievances extend beyond Watson’s firing. Wilma Clement, a women’s rights activist, voiced her disappointment over how female members have been treated within the party. She emphasised that women have been central to the DLP’s achievements, yet their efforts have been undervalued.

“Women are creative thinkers and problem solvers, and the Democratic Labour Party would have to admit that most of what it has achieved has been through the blood, sweat, and tears of the women, whether they were members or just supporters,” Clement said.

She admitted that recent events have caused her and others to question whether the DLP truly appreciates the contributions of women.

“It is therefore regrettable that it has been said over the years that the DLP has very little use for women. And unfortunately, this last weekend has made me and others begin to think about whether this is true,” she added.

The situation has led to increasing discontent among women in the DLP, many of whom feel they have been marginalised despite their long-standing service. Clement called for an apology from the party’s leadership to address the mistreatment of female members.

Adding to the criticism, Undine Whittaker, a member of the DLP executive and general councils, expressed concern about the party’s internal processes, particularly the lack of communication and consultation, which she argued has undermined democracy within the party. Whittaker, a veteran trade unionist, suggested that legal action is one of the options being considered to resolve these issues.

“[We] have to make a determination on a number of options that may be presented and which one will carry as an institution or as a philosophy. When I reach there, I can only speak to it, but right now I am looking at all aspects and seeing what is available,” Whittaker told reporters.