BLP to officially launch campaign tomorrow
THE Barbados Labour Party (BLP) is gearing up for tomorrow’s launch of its 2018 campaign.
The venue for the Campaign Lift-Off, which is being promised to be a ground-breaking extravaganza, is Weymouth Pasture, Roebuck Street, St Michael, next to the headquarters of the Transport Board, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Yesterday, while speaking at a press conference at BLP’s Roebuck Street, headquarters, Campaign Manager and General Secretary, Dr Jerome Walcott, extended a warm invitation to all Barbadians, Commonwealth citizens, and other residents to attend the event in their numbers and be a part of history in the making.
“According to Police estimates, more than 20 000 persons joined us on the East Coast last Saturday. On behalf of the Barbados Labour Party’s leadership, I say a big thank you to those of you who were there, for your support. What an awesome show of support it was for the Barbados Labour Party.
“We are making arrangements to accommodate another large turn-out on Saturday evening. We recognise that Barbadians are eager to hear what the BLP has to say on the issues that matter most to them and not salacious nonsense of the Dems.
“We are therefore urging persons to arrive early. This will help to facilitate a smooth flow of people into the venue. In anticipation, we plan to start the music around 4:30 p.m. The idea is to keep the crowd entertained until the proceedings formally get under way,” he said.
He said, on the political side, the main highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Party’s 30 candidates – the men and women comprising Team BLP 2018.
Dr Walcott stressed that the candidates come from diverse backgrounds, and are united in a commitment to providing more effective representation at the constituency and national levels, representation which is people-centred and focused on the delivery of solutions to their problems.
The Campaign Manager explained that a park and ride system will be implemented, noting that Weymouth B, the Passage Road Ground, ICBL on Roebuck Street, the Combermere School, Harrison College Grounds, Queens Park Grounds, QEH Sports Club Ground, and BTI Cark Park on Lower Bay Street will be used.
Prime Minister the Right Honourable Freundel Stuart has announced that May 7 will be Nomination Day, while May 24 has been chosen to be Election Day.
“Our political leader Mia Mottley, a caring champion of the people and the next Prime Minister of Barbados, will head a line-up of speakers. They will outline the BLP’s vision for Barbados and highlight key aspects of the policy agenda of a BLP government after May 24.
“Barbados stands at a crossroad. Team BLP is united in its determination to rescue Barbados from the morass created by the incompetence of the Dems, and return Barbados to a path of prosperity with a better life for all,” he said.
Saturday night’s proceedings will include a wide variety of acts representing several genres, including Pastor John Yarde, and will also feature performances by some of the biggest names in local entertainment, including Edwin Yearwood, Krosfyah, Biggie Irie, Emile Straker, Peter Ram, Scrilla, Jagwa and Lady Essence, to name a few.
“Team BLP has taken a deliberate decision to make the fullest use of Barbadian talent at our campaign events. We want to send a signal to Barbados. If we are to succeed in the major task of national reconstruction which lies ahead, we have to demonstrate full confidence in Barbadian talent and expertise,” Dr Walcott said.
Next week, the Barbados Labour Party will be launching its manifesto, in a Christ Church area which is yet to be revealed. (AH)