NEWLY RE-APPOINTED Opposition Leader David Thompson has come out and publicly apologised to Barbados for the recent conduct of his party.

As people across the nation watched Thompson in his first public speech since once again becoming Democratic Labour Party (DLP) parliamentary leader, he closed his reply to Prime Minister Owen Arthur's Monday Economic and Financial Proposals with a promise that his party's recent internal turmoil would not be witnessed again.

"I apologise for the conduct of my party over the past 15 months. We were out of order and I promise there will not be a repeat of such. We have a short time-frame in which to harness and mould a cadre of committed, caring, and competent individuals to assume the reins of office in Barbados and henceforth that will be our mission. That will be our focus," he said.

The representative for St John vowed to "work unflinchingly in the weeks and months ahead to help rebuild my party, to ready it for the mantle of leadership in this country."

He said: "Mr Speaker Sir, I know that I will be the butt of criticism from the other side, but that is par for the course. They know what a refocused and determined Democratic Labour Party can do and I am saying to Barbadians tonight: 'Stay tuned to our channel', the process of restructuring has begun. We know what we have to do to gain and retain the confidence of Barbadians and this country has my solemn word that we will henceforth pursue that path.

"I am not going to be sidetracked by negative forces and I urge my colleagues not to be sidetracked either. Take our cues from ordinary Barbadians who are saying to me on a daily basis that they need relief from this Barbados Labour Party administration," Thompson said.

He called on his party to act now to address the concerns raised by all Barbadians and not be distracted.

"I urge the members and supporters of this great organisation to retain their confidence in the Democratic Labour Party. Rally around and let us work together to rescue Barbados. Let us work to refocus Barbados. Let us work together to move Barbados forward for the benefit of all Barba-dians," he concluded. (CH)