'Back Mia'

by MARIA BRADSHAW

THE BARBADOS LABOUR PARTY (BLP) was yesterday urgedto settle any "perceived leadership problems"in the party,if it wants to win the Government again.

The advice was givenby Reverend Wayne Kirton during a sermon at the start of the annual BLP conference at the Barbados Community College.

To loud applausefrom those in attendance, Reverend Kirton let it be known that "the perceived leadership struggle is not going to do this party any good. If the perceived leadership struggle boils over, the Barbados Labour Party will remain in opposition for another term".

He strongly advised the members to support party leader Mia Mottley.

"The BLP at this current time has a leader, and members must throw their weight behind their leader. You must stop dividingthe BLP," he said.

The reverend also toldthe gathering that the BLP "had never been knownto be part of this open warfare" and he advised"it must not become partof the party now".

Stating that God had blessed the party with great leaders from Sir Grantley Adams down to Mia Mottley, he called for unity as the party continued to evolve.

Using a biblical example, he said that the disciples John and James behavedin a selfish manner because they thought it was all about them, but Kirton pointed out that "Jesus said it was whoit was prepared for", adding"He will deliver who will lead this country".

He said: "I am asking members to stand behind the party symbol . . . . Members of the BLP have a chance in 2009 to step up to the plate."

He also told membersof the party to live up to the theme of the conference -In Defence Of Our People and to be "servants of those you serve".

"It is not that you speakof defence of our peoplenow that the party is in Opposition, but even more so when you form the Government," he said.

In his address, chairman George Payne also called on the rank and file of the party to rally behind Mottley.

"We have an elected political leader - an undisputed leader. We are rallying behind our leader. They are spreading rumours all over the place that this body wants to take overand this body wants to come back. We don't know anything about that."