Political economist Dr William Chandler has entered the contest to become the Barbados Labour Party’s candidate for St Thomas, intensifying a fast-evolving race triggered by the retirement of long-standing MP Cynthia Forde.
Dr Chandler confirmed his bid to represent the St Thomas constituency under the BLP banner, after what he described as a calling to public service and considerable encouragement from residents.
Attorney-at-law Senator Gregory Nicholls has emerged as the frontrunner for the nomination, while on the opposition bench, the Democratic Labour Party is expected to field Dr Roleric Hinds, who has previously contested the seat in three general elections since 2013.
But after it was announced during the BLP’s 86th annual conference last month that she would not seek re-election, Forde endorsed Dr Chandler, the son of attorney Clorinda Alleyne and Justice of Appeal William Chandler.
He said his decision to run was rooted in faith and a longstanding sense of civic duty.
He told Barbados TODAY: “While today it may not be fashionable to speak openly about God, the truth is that I entered politics because I felt led by God to live a life of service to the people of Barbados. That meant leaving the serene peace of private life to enter the demands of a very public one.”
Dr Chandler has led international teams in financial services and emerging markets as managing director of Mayfair Global Consulting Inc, and currently heads Salters Group Inc — the family-owned business behind Salters Market. He has also served on the Parliamentary Reform Commission and sits on the National Task Force on Reparations and Economic Enfranchisement.
His academic credentials include degrees in political science and political economy from UWI Cave Hill and the University of Manchester, and a law doctorate from Queen’s University Belfast.
His commitment to public duty began in childhood and grew throughout his studies, he said, as he recalled organising the UWI student protest against the introduction of tuition fees during the Freundel Stuart administration.
“If you look for the permission form for that march, you will find one name on the signature line: W. Chandler.” He stressed that his motivation was not personal gain but “a sense of duty to speak, walk, and act for those who could not do so for themselves.”
Dr Chandler entered the St Thomas conversation after being approached “unexpectedly” in July. “They believed my work in national development, the private sector, canvassing and community outreach made me the right fit at the right time,” he said.
Armed with Forde’s endorsement, Dr Chandler began walking the constituency and reported strong encouragement. “The welcome I received confirmed one thing: The people of St Thomas want committed, energetic, faithful leadership aimed at real results for their children, grandchildren and parish.”
Residents want grounded, practical representation, he said. “Residents consistently express that they want an MP who is strong but caring, someone who listens closely, works tirelessly and advocates fearlessly. They are less concerned with where a candidate is from and more interested in whether that person will deliver.”
Dr Chandler highlighted longstanding infrastructure, development and social issues requiring urgent attention. He argued that some constituencies are neglected due to political loyalties and called for a new framework to protect community development.
He said: “It is critical that we establish a multi-community and multi-class community development corporation to monitor and assist with implementation of social and economic development throughout the parish-constituency. That is an immediate task.”
Among priority issues, Dr Chandler listed roads, water reliability, internet and radio connectivity, safety, recreation spaces and environmental management. He identified underdeveloped areas in Airy Cot, Content, Spring Farm, Sturges, Bloomsbury and Chapman Village, and noted unique challenges in Allen View. Stronger integration is needed between Rock Hall and the Freedom Village, he added. “Everywhere requires proper roads and social recreation areas for children and the elderly. Lighting, of course, is a must.”
“My vision for St Thomas is for us to develop, together, a fully integrated parish society and economy that supports the upliftment of self, community and country,” he said. Chandler promised mobile constituency services, regular town halls, land bank legislation for expanding productive access to land, eradication of pit toilets, neighbourhood watches and broader awareness of scholarship and job opportunities.
“In sum, the next five to 25 years have to be about rebuilding St Thomas into a more vibrant, peaceful and hospitable country centre where people of all ages and walks of life can live, work and play.”
(SZB)
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