Members lining up to vote in the Democratic Labour Party internal elections. (Picture by Shanice King)

Steady voting for DLP executive

Article by Barry Alleyne

Voting is moving steadily at the headquarters of the Democratic Labour Party, where members are now in the process of selecting an executive.

The party was embroiled in controversy in the 24 hours before today’s voting started, but general secretary Steve Blackett told Nation Online moments ago that things were running smoothly.

There was a slight issue with physically disabled voters early, but that was settled by the elections superintendent, Ricky Harrison.

Intermittent showers did shorten lines and forced members under tents, but voting continued unabated.

Yesterday, Blackett was forced to call in the Barbados Police Service to investigate the theft of a portion of the party’s membership list, which included mostly the names of new members.

Minutes after voting started at George Street, Blackett indicated the theft issue had not filtered into proceedings.

President of the DLP, Dr Ronnie Yearwood is expected to face a stern challenge in today’s election from stalwarts and former MPs, Dr David Estwick and Richard Sealy, as well as Ryan Walters who is the second vice-president, for the top post. (BA)