In his most recent offering, self-styled political strategist, Hartley Henry, is reported to have said:" This is the first time in my 20-odd years of practice as a political consultant that I have seen a leader of the opposition effectively setting the date for general elections." While Henry asserts that in setting his own pace in tabling his motion of no-confidence in Clyde Mascoll has frustrated Arthur's plans to set a date for general elections, he has conveniently overlooked the possibility that Thompson's credibility could be further eroded when such a debate occurred. Some observers believe that Thompson has taken flight fearing that he would be unable to unearth any instances of wronging part of Mascoll's part. Prime Minister Owen Arthur has already gone on record stating that if Thompson was in possession of information linking any of his ministers with corruption he would have gone public with it already. So far Thompson has been unable to unearth any concrete evidence which linked Mascoll with any wrongdoing at Hardwood Factory Inc. Noting that Thompson was yet to present concrete evidence on Mascoll if he expected to gain any political mileage from the episode, Nation political correspondent, Albert Brandford said: "We were led to believe that Thompson had what the Americans call "a smoking gun" in relation to Hardwood, that is in this context, a cancelled cheque, or invoice, or some other piece of solid evidence that would point to wrongdoing on Mascoll's part." In the absence of clear evidence, the BLP family is confident that Mascoll will emerge from this challenge with his credibility and integrity intact. Barbadians should be cognisant of the fact that as a product of the working class, he like his Prime Minister, will be the target of unwarranted attacks from class snobs. Readers may recall that in 1994, the then president of the Nation, now Editor Emeritus, Harold Hoyte, predicted that Arthur would be a one term Prime Minister. However, Arthur has since won two other general elections and is well on the road to create history with a fourth term as Prime Minister. Individuals steeped in class snobbery find it difficult to accept that a shop-keeper's son from rural Barbados has outperformed them in life and assumed the highest political office in the land. This is equally true in Mascoll's case. The son of ordinary working class parents being given free rein to practice his discipline by a Prime Minister who has similar class origins. Do not be fooled by elitist elements who often seek to destroy high-fliers from the working class. These high achievers are often aware that one social blunder can destroy a once flourishing career. They therefore exercise care in their business dealings. Based on these observations, we in the BLP can rest assured that Mascoll would emerge from this challenge unscathed. In fact, right thinking barbadians are applauding him for assisting a poor working class man in realising his life's dreams.
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