PRECIOUS LITTLE to show.

That is the view of Roger Smith, Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate for the constituency of St Philip West, as he shone spotlight on the two-year tenure of the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) since it took over the reins of government.

Smith, speaking at a mass meeting at St Patrick's, Christ Church, on Sunday night, said that the DLP should not take credit for a number of roads built in the constituency because they were part of the road programme conceptualised by the BLP.

He also said that nothing came from the Dems in terms of housing, adding that "the case was well made" that all the progress that was seen for the past two years was from residual BLP projects.

Smith, an insurance manager, said there was a commitment by the next BLP government to address the lack of secondary roads. The newcomer is also asking for "the Rural Development Commission to get its act together".

Smith also sees a need for a sporting facility, the extension of the hours at the Six Roads Polyclinic, as well as an upgrade of its equipment, and more focus on farmers' needs and unemployment among young people in the constituency.

He told the audience that they would have seen his work and "I trust that what you have seen from me so far, that you are convinced that my commitment is unceasing", noting that there was still much work to be done.

In answering those who wondered why "a soft boy like you" wanted to get into the rough and tumble of politics, Smith said:

"I have come to the firm realisation that a man's purpose in life is to work towards the advancement of human civilisation within his capacity so to do, and politics provides an opportunity for all right-minded persons to use statecraft, the power and apparatus of Government to improve the lives of one's fellow citizens.

"I therefore make the bold step into public life very cognisant of the awesome responsibility and the high level of dedication and commitment that will be required." (JS)