Weekly Column

“It is well said, there is nothing wrong with change
if it is in the right direction.” Sir Winston Churchill

The revelation by former Prime Minister Owen Arthur last weekend that the David Thompson Administration is considering major changes to the conduct and character of elections in Barbados raised red flags all across a country that is admired for its electoral process throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

Our electoral system may not be like Caesar’s wife, above reproach, as few systems are, but it is a source of pride to Barbadians whose ancestors fought and died for the right to cast their ballots – freely and fairly.

Were David Thompson to allow the hiring of Peter Wickham to advise the Electoral and Boundaries Commission in an attempt to ensure security of tenure for the Democratic Labour Party would be nothing short of an abomination. Is this the advice that our taxes are paying political advisors and consultants for?

We wish to remind the Prime Minister of this little clause in the Constitution as it relates to the Electoral and Boundaries Commission:

“In the exercise of its functions…the Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.”

Just as Sir Grantley Adams and the Barbados Labour Party fought for Universal Adult Suffrage in 1951, so too will we fight to the last man standing today to make certain that political operatives are not allowed to ambush a Commission that is protected by the Constitution of Barbados. We will do everything in our power to ensure that 270,000 pairs of eyes are wide open and focused on any attempt to supersede the role of the Commission in order to introduce overseas voting here.

We have seen the concerted effort by David Thompson to court the Barbadian overseas community while in Opposition and there is nothing wrong with that. We heard when he said that one of his many overseas trips as Prime Minister was to visit Barbadians living in New York, no doubt to reward their support, and nothing wrong with that either. But think again Mr. Thompson if you believe that you can foist overseas voting on Barbadians who live and pay taxes here. Not ‘bout here!

Listen to one of the other areas suggested for investigation – “the need for and possible direction of integrity legislation.” Wait! What’s going on here? After so much talk from the Dems about their commitment to integrity legislation they now need research to decide if it is necessary? Have they forgotten their Manifesto promise to: “immediately introduce integrity legislation?” No wonder 61% of respondents in the Nation poll considered their performance poor.

And that is not all. They also want to review the methodology used to calculate the level of unemployment in Barbados. Reasonable you might say, but guess who is going to get another $10,000 a month for this review. And what is the common thread between unemployment statistics and electoral reform – the on-air promotion of these issues by researcher and talk show host Peter Wickham. Peter, you are too transparent! Given your recent comments, we await your proposal to Government on the Common Entrance Examination.

Our point is a very simple one. We are not against a review of any system in government. Times change, technology changes and we cannot remain stuck in the past for the sake of defending tradition. What we will not do is sanction intervention by political operatives in government departments run by trained professionals and protected by Statute simply for the sake of providing work for one of the boys. If research is required to assist the public service let the University of the West Indies or some other independent entity provide it.