Fifity-five years after being formed, and still basking in the glory of providing this country with free education, free school meals and free bus transportation for its schoolchildren, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is as strong as ever, Minister of the Education Ronald Jones believes.Jones, the Member of Parliament for Christ Church East Central, made that assertion on Friday night during his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the party’s annual general conference at the George Street Auditorium.And according Jones, not even “missiles” being thrown from the Opposition Barbados Labour Party during recessionary times should get members of the party down.Instead, it should make them stronger, Jones told a standing room only crowd.“We’ve had good leaders and good representatives over the years,” Jones said. He added that the effectiveness of the DLP was evident, since in 2010 alone: 247 new members joined the ranks.Jones said as the party entered the second half of its latest term in Government, it would continue to apply the Team DLP concept so as to get Barbados out of the current rough economic waters. “We, both the executive council and the general council of the party, recognise that we must work collectively to sustain this great party,” Jones said.He noted that in tough times, the party did not have as much resources at its disposal as it would like, but that Government would do what it could do until the economy rebounded.“Missiles have been thrown at us for two and a half years, but they have not overwhelmed us. They have not brought us to our knees,” Jones said regarding constant criticism from the Barbados Labour Party. “We are determined as a party and Government. We will continue to be strong, and you the membership gives us strength,” Jones asserted.Jones also thanked Acting Prime Minister Freundel Stuart for the resolve he had shown in keeping the party glued together while ailing Prime Minister David Thompson convalesces.
