Publication: Sun on Saturday
Paper Section And Page: 5
Paper Date: Sat, Jan 22, 2000
Byline: by Patience Ejimofor
STRAINS of gospel music filled the air but it wasn't a crusade going on Thursday night at Eastmond's Corner, Hindsbury Road, St. Michael. The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) was holding a public meeting and sending a message that it is charting a new course.
"We are coming back to you, hoping and praying that you'll accept us ... We'll turn back the clock. Under this new team you'll see excellent work which will surface the contribution of Errol Barrow," party general-secretary George Pilgrim said at the commencement of the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Evoking the memories of Barrow, a National Hero and a founding member of the party, the DLP announced it was readying itself for the next general election, earnestly wooing potential voters with promises of a better Barbados. The party vowed to continue to follow the footsteps of Barrow, accusing the Owen Arthur Government of eroding the entire vision of "The Dipper" who lifted up the masses through free education. Pilgrim said that the party had got the message sent it by voters at the last elections, and had embarked on a soul search and house cleaning that had produced a stronger and more successful DLP.
"We'll be coming to you not only to point out wrongs but to offer possible solutions so that come that day, you'll have confidence in giving us your support," Pilgrim told listeners and party faithful lining the street.
'Shots' fired
John Boyce, who tackled environmental and energy issues, fired shots at Government over the bad roads, garbage and waste management problems, the South Coast Sewerage Project and the "$50-million" Greenland landfill which he claimed was at risk of becoming a white elephant. He said "environmental madness" would affect beaches and inevitably kill tourism if not addressed.
Boyce also spoke of high energy and food costs, crime and violence and further accused Government of pandering to the whims of the rich, creating golf courses and neglecting the poor.
"The Barbados Labour Party has gone bonkers," he declared, as he asked them, like West Indies cricket, to hire a psychologist.