The political scene across the world is expected to be turbulent in 2024 and it appears that Barbados is expected to be included in the headwinds.
While we are not scheduled for a general election, though anything is possible in the current environment, electors in several countries will be heading to the polls.
Time Magazine has reminded us that at least 64 nations, including those in the European Union or about half of the world’s population, are going to be voting in national elections, “the results of which, for many, will prove consequential for years to come”.
Of course, the presidential election in the United States of America is arguably the most significant due to the enormous role the US plays in the global economy and geopolitics.
The fight between the incumbent Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump has been billed as one that could create economic, political and social disturbance, not just in the USA but for millions around the world.
Trump, who is facing a litany of criminal charges and civil actions, is a man cornered, with his business edifice facing dismantling as a result of a civil fraud case brought by New York State Attorney General Letitia James.
The former president was already found liable for massive fraud and could face hundreds of millions of dollars in fines and a possible ban of the Trump Corporation from doing business in the state of New York. However, his other legal cases could disappear if he becomes president with the power to put an end to almost every criminal and civil matter he faces; thus, his motivation for being back in the White House.
While the political drama in Barbados does not meet such epic proportions, it is undoubtedly the most substantial since Prime Minister Mia Mottley was swept into power in 2018, taking all 30 seats, followed by another historic repeat of 30-0 on January 19, 2022.
All eyes will be on prominent attorney-at-law, Member of Parliament for Christ Church South, and former Mottley backbencher, Mr Ralph Thorne SC.
Following his official swearing-in at the residence of the President on Monday, Mr Thorne provided a lengthy missive on why he abandoned the Mottley administration to become the new opposition leader.
A thoughtful and respected professional, Mr Thorne promised that when he is seated on the other side of the aisle on Tuesday when the House of Assembly meets, the public will hear much more from him.
While it is difficult to suggest that there is some kind of groundswell of anti-government sentiment in the country, there is an acknowledgement by the administration that the absence of an opposition party could cloud their assessment of how Barbadians are feeling.
For his part, Mr Thorne, who was twice overlooked by Prime Minister Mottley for a place in her Cabinet, has been a less-than-exuberant backbencher. He often offered independent, thoughtful positions on legislative matters and did not simply parrot the party chorus.
However, at his Press briefing following his swearing-in ceremony, Mr Thorne pulled back the veils concealing his discomfort. He spoke of having to choose principle over party allegiance.
The MP, who says he will offer more on his departure from the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) when he takes his place on the Opposition bench in the House of Assembly, hinted at working in a “hostile” environment.
Furthermore, the new opposition leader contended that he was being undermined from within the ranks of his party, accusing powerful figures in the BLP of introducing another candidate in his constituency.
Equally dramatic was Mr Thorne’s indication that he was prepared to seek membership or partnership in another party.
With the power of the opposition leader behind him, Mr Thorne will be appointing two senators to the Upper House. What kind of relationship will now exist between the opposition leader and the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) – a party that he unsuccessfully ran for in two general elections – will be most interesting.
How all this will unfold over the next few months and years before the next general election is anyone’s guess. What is important, however, is the presence of a worthy and competent voice in the opposition – and this is healthy for democracy in Barbados.
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