Prime Minister and Political Leader of the Barbados Labour Party, Mia Mottley, has called for a renewed national commitment as the party marked its Founder’s Day on Sunday.
Speaking during a service at Bethel Methodist Church on Bay Street, Mottley urged Barbadians to recommit themselves to the work of nation‑building, stressing that the responsibility for national development extends beyond elected officials.
“We come to ask for blessings, for guidance, but equally to make a call for ourselves to recommit and to renew. The work will not be done by members of parliament or ministers alone,” she said.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of political education, mobilisation and dedication, arguing that these are essential to stabilising the country’s growth and reaffirming the party’s founding purpose.
“If ever there was a time for this political institution to redouble its efforts in political education, in political mobilisation and in political commitment, in order to stabilise this nation’s growth and to stabilise our commitment to the renewal of the purpose for which we were established.”
Acknowledging the fatigue many may be feeling, the political leader said difficult times often test resolve the most.
“It may seem like some to be a call to those who are already weary, and yes, I acknowledge that the distance sometimes can be long and it can carry but it is when you are tired, more often than not, that we see through history that you are tested the greatest.”
Mottley encouraged reflection and resolve, highlighting the importance of unity across religious and political lines.
“We have been blessed to have with us persons reflecting all religions and persons understanding that their political work must never take away from their spiritual mission… I urge us to recognise that this will be another difficult year… we have done a good job of navigating those times, and I’m conscious that we can continue to do so, but I’m even more conscious that the success of our ability to do so depends not on the leadership of this part of the world, but on us building.”
Despite the global uncertainty, the Prime Minister said Barbados has so far navigated these challenges effectively, adding that continued success depends on collective effort rather than leadership alone.
She drew parallels between the current global climate and the period surrounding the party’s formation on the eve of the Second World War, a time marked by instability and inequality.
“We were founded at a time when fascism was raising its head. We were founded at a time when people were not seen and people were not heard, and the majority of the people of this country had to do as they were told, not as they wished to do.”
The Prime Minister stressed that the party’s mission of economic enfranchisement and social justice remains as relevant today as it was at its inception, warning that vulnerable groups are once again at risk amid growing global uncertainty.
“The transformation needed to resist the winds of change that allow the mighty to dominate is urgent. The least, the last and the lost are once again fighting to be protected,” she cautioned.
Mottley also referenced discussions with progressive leaders internationally, noting shared concerns that values once broadly accepted are no longer universally upheld.
She urged perseverance, reminding supporters that the struggle for justice has always required sacrifice.
“We will not be the first to be asked to carry a heavy burden to fight injustice, nor the first to be asked to complete the journey of transformation,” she said.
Calling for individual and collective recommitment, the Prime Minister stressed that safeguarding national progress will require sustained effort.
She also paid tribute to a deceased member of the church and concluded by reminding those gathered that while much has been achieved, significant work remains to secure the nation’s future.
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