Tn he Barbados Labour Party’s slate of candidates contesting the February 11 general election said Thursday they are energised and encouraged by the reception they have received from constituents on the campaign.
Speaking to Barbados TODAY, as all 30 candidates paid their $250 election deposits at the Treasury offices housed at the National Housing Corporation building on Country Road, several first-time and returning hopefuls pointed to months of groundwork and positive engagement on the campaign.
Business executive and entrepreneur Ryan Brathwaite, who is seeking to represent St Joseph, said his team has been on the ground well before the official election call.
“Canvassing has been going pretty good. We’ve been in the field for at least 18 months, so I’ve had the opportunity to take my time and get to know the constituents,” Brathwaite said. “Those persons we may not have seen on the first cycle, we’ve had time to go back and meet them.”
Brathwaite described the experience as both humbling and exciting, particularly as a first-time candidate.
“Meeting people, getting to know their experiences and trying to assist in any way has been humbling. It’s also been exciting…engaging the older folk in the community, but also bringing younger people into the democratic process.”
Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, who is contesting Christ Church South, also described the mood on the ground as “positive and favourable”.
“The teams are on the ground every single day meeting with people,” she said. “We’re focused on areas where there are challenges, working with residents and listening to them.”
Dr Munro-Knight said community engagement would remain central to her campaign, with several meetings planned during the election period.
“For me this is a moment, but I intend to win this seat and continue to be the best representative for Christ Church,” she said.
Attorney-at-law Gregory Nicholls, who is standing for St Thomas, said returning to his home constituency has been particularly meaningful.
“This is my first time running in St Thomas. I ran before, but there’s no place like home,” Nicholls said. “The campaign has been kicking off in a good way. The team has been working hard in most communities.”
He said he was looking forward to spending more time in the field, hearing constituents’ concerns and building momentum ahead of election day.
Lawyer Tyra Trotman, one of the youngest candidates fielded by either of the island’s major political parties, said she has been laying the groundwork in St Michael’s Central for nearly two years.
“I’ve been canvassing for about 19 or 20 months, working in the community, forming relationships and bonds,” Trotman said. “People have been very open and receptive, very warm.”
She noted that many residents are enthusiastic about the prospect of new representation.
“A lot of people are excited to see a woman. I believe I’m the first female running in St Michael’s Central, and also the youngest candidate on this slate, so there’s excitement around that as well,” she said.
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