Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne accused Prime Minister Mia Mottley of leading a government “comfortable with incompetence” at a Democratic Labour Party (DLP) spot meeting in Christ Church, urging Barbadians to demand honest and accountable leadership.
Thorne mixed pointed criticism with pledges of reform under a future DLP administration at Buffy Place, Inch Marlow in Christ Church East in a meeting held under the theme “Honest Voices for the People” that drew a sizable crowd.
“I am here to defend the young women of this country,” Thorne declared to loud applause. “Young women of high achievement, young women who aspire, young women who strive to serve their country — and young women whose ambitions and aspirations are defeated by this monster, Prime Minister Mottley.”
Thorne accused the prime minister of showing contempt for strong and independent voices, especially within her own ranks.
“Mia Mottley does not like bright people, does not like decent people — does not like decent women,” Thorne charged.
He went further, describing one of Mottley’s key political associates as a “total nincompoop”, drawing laughter and cheers from the audience.
Thorne insisted his message was about substance, not spite — calling for a “serious campaign” focused on national reconstruction rather than personal attacks.
Among the major policy areas highlighted was agriculture, which Thorne described as “the neglected sector”. He said agriculture still lacked meaningful government support despite a rescue taskforce organised by agriculture minister Indar Weir.
No policies, no incentives — nothing to encourage and pull young people into agriculture,” he he said. “Agriculture has gone high-tech, but this government has provided no incentives for innovation in the sector.”
Turning to economic policy, Thorne outlined key elements of the DLP’s plan to ease the cost of living, including a commitment to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT).
“This Democratic Labour Party, if it is God’s will that we should occupy government whenever that time comes, commits itself tonight to lowering VAT from 17.5 per cent,” Thorne said. “The DLP will bring relief by reducing VAT and putting money back into people’s pockets.”
Thorne’s remarks drew strong reactions from supporters, many of whom praised his directness and defence of women in politics.
“We lose money when we have incompetence in government,” Thorne said. “Mottley is comfortable with incompetence — she would never have been comfortable with Dr Maria Agard, a woman of high achievement.”
Supporters cheered Thorne as he said: “It’s not too late to vote against them”, amid widespread speculation of a snap poll.
“If you want to call it in December, if you want to call it in January, if you want to call it in February.” (LE)
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