DLP UP TO THE TASK

President of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Verla Depeiza believes that the party faces the challenge of bringing Barbados back to its people.

During a virtual church service yesterday, hosted by Restoration Ministries International, the DLP commenced its week of Errol Barrow Memorial Activities. Depeiza thanked Restoration Ministries for the hospitality, saying that these are unique times but Barbadians have been adapting and showing their resilience.

“If there is one thing that we are learning is how resilient a people we are, and a lot of that has to do with how we were raised and having God at the centre of our activities,” said Depeiza.

Referencing the DLP “passport” written by the Father of Independence, Prime Minister the late Right, Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, she encouraged those who are considering being part of the party and everyone in general to read the document.

“What really jumps out to me that is relevant for the times in this document, created by the founding father who we will celebrate in the days to come, is how to craft and create a Barbados going forward that is relevant to more than just a few,” she said.

Explaining the role that the DLP needs to play, Depeiza stressed that it is important for Barbadians to feel like they are a part of their country.

“…Ensuring that our economic activity is not just reserved for a few, but as many as possible get to participate. And that those who are falling down are given that hand by our social web and network, that we can pull them up and not just pull them along,” she said.

The president stated that it is a critical factor of governance and society in the 21st century, in the struggle against the current Covid-19 pandemic.

Depeiza noted that the party and its governing principles remains relevant as well. She said the DLP is committed to continue its purpose of being the voice of the people going forward, putting forward policy which would craft a space where people could be seen, heard and acknowledged.

“We remain committed to using all of the knowledge and the information that we have and the resources of our people despite setbacks, to find the opportunities in the difficult times.”

The leader of the DLP also highlighted the advice of late Prime Minister and former DLP leader David Thompson, in his parting words to the country, to use adversity to create benefit.

“At the time we were in an economic crisis, now we are facing a health crisis but the words still ring true. We have to find the positives in the negatives. Fortunately the Democratic Labour Party had a leg up on that,” she said.

Depeiza invited all those listening and viewing to join the journey as the party strives to bring Barbados back.

“But it is not a task for the Democratic Labour Party alone, it is an invitation to all of Barbados to join us going forward. It is an invitation to step up and step out without fear or favour to ensure that we bring Barbados back to its people and then forward together to achieve our best results. That is the harmonious balance this passport speaks to.”  (AS)