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The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) will be celebrating 70 years of commitment, service and progress. The celebrations run throughout the year and end in March 2009. The BLP was founded on March 31, 1938. The founding fathers met at the home of Mr. James Martineau in Bay Street to create a political movement. At that first meeting Chrissie Brathwaite was elected Chairman and Grantley Adams who was out of the island on legal business, Vice-Chairman. The others present were C.A. Brathwaite, Dr. H.G. Cummins, Dr. Philip Payne, W.A Crawford, C. Edwy Talma and Hope Stevens, a Kittitian living in New York City.

In 1954 Grantley Adams became the first premier of Barbados. On Sir Grantley’s becoming Prime Minister of the West Indies Federation, Dr. Hugh Gordon Cummins succeeded him as the second Premier of Barbados. In 1976 J.M.G.M. ‘Tom’ Adams son of Sir Grantley became Prime Minister. On his death in 1985, he was succeeded by Sir Harold St. John. In 1994 Owen Arthur became Prime Minister and served until 2008.

The Barbados Labour Party is recognised for its outstanding contribution to the social and economic development of Barbados. Its members have piloted many important pieces of legislation through Parliament, such as the Workmen’s Compensation Act, the Wages Board Act, the Labour Department Act, the Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act and the Consumer Protection Act. The most significant was the Representation of the People Act which gave all adult Barbadians the right to vote.

The celebrations will comprise social activities across the island such as community based sports, health fairs, debates and lectures. These year-long celebrations reflect the BLP’s recognition of past achievements and gratitude to the Barbadian public that has reposed confidence in the Party especially in difficult times. It also signifies the BLP’s commitment to continue its contribution to the social and economic development of Barbados.

Please see
Video BLP 70th Anniversary Message

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