Reifer ‘still a lion’ despite loss

The mood in the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) was sombre as the final votes were announced, confirming another Barbados Labour Party (BLP) victory – 3 154 votes for Toni Moore to 1 327 for Floyd Reifer.

Throughout the night over the course of four hours, box after box came back with big leads for Moore, causing some DLP supporters in Reifer’s Charles Rowe Bridge constituency office to hold their heads in resignation.

However, cheers soon erupted as Reifer held a private chat with his “people” away from the media, alongside party leader Verla De Peiza.

Afterwards, the self-proclaimed “lion” said he was far from finished.

“The people have spoken and somebody had to win. I congratulate Toni Moore; it was an intense campaign. I had great support throughout my campaign and I will be coming back stronger in the next election. I am still a lion,” he said.

The former West Indies cricketer and coach said the disappointing aspect was the more than 5 000 people who did not vote, most of them, he added, likely DLP supporters.

“As we go forward, we will have to see why those people did not vote. Perhaps they are fed up with what happened before but we will find out and address it,” he said.

De Peiza said the results were a trial run for the future.

“We are disappointed with the overall outcome but we are still heartened as the election was a minority decision and an improvement for us from the last candidate. It also represented a significant slide as far as the BLP capture is concerned,” she said.

De Peiza said the party felt “energised” as it had new potential candidates. She also said she was happy none of the newer parties posed a threat as there was now no need to look over their shoulders. (CA)