Democratic Labour Party (DLP) political leader Ralph Thorne is set to officially assume the presidency of the party, running unopposed as the annual conference comes to a close today.
At the same time, the organisation has welcomed 163 new members into its fold, a development conference chair Quincy Jones said has maintained the party’s “high level” of growth.
From the outset of the weekend, Jones said Thorne’s position was secure. Asked directly about the presidency, he responded: “Yes, he is unopposed.”
He said this year’s conference was already marked by both renewal and stability, with the opening night featuring a well-attended induction ceremony.
“From yesterday [Friday] we had the opening gala and the induction ceremony, where over 163 persons were approved and welcomed to the party, under the theme, The party of the people, the future of all. We had good attendance.”
He added that the numbers compared well to previous years.
“It has maintained its high level. So there is not a major increase and there is no decline, for sure.”
When asked whether any of those who had withdrawn their membership in the past year were among the new inductees, Jones replied: “No.”
He described how the business of the conference had unfolded on day two.
“Today, the conference has begun with the various reports from . . . different organisations, such as the Women’s League, Young Democrats, the branches, and the Parliamentary Report and the Executive Report. . . .We will break for lunch and then we go straight to resolutions and round tables.”
While Thorne’s presidency is not being contested, there is no shortage of competition for other executive roles. Jones outlined the crowded field for the four vice president posts.
Determined by ranking
“Twelve persons are going for vice-president. They are Nathaniel Boyce, Michael Carrington, Francis De
Peiza, Felicia Dujon, Paul Gibson, Elsie Granger, Shaquani Hunt, Donovan Ennis, Quincy Jones, Stephen Lashley, Pearson Leacock and Andrew Ross,” he revealed.
He explained that the results would be determined by ranking.
“So the persons that gets the most votes would be the top four vice-presidents from one to four.”
The chairman said that although the slate is large, it has not been divisive.
“It’s not a rivalry as a year ago. Everyone is having a good time and pushing their plans for the party.”
Regarding the other positions, he said: “We have Charles Bradford, Carly Reid, Pedro Shepherd and Andre Worrell vying for general secretary. Contesting the post of assistant general secretary, we have Pedro Shepherd and Gregory Brenham, and for treasurer, we have Donna Hinds, James Paul and Antoinette Wood.”
Jones disclosed that the online voting system was running smoothly.
“It’s good. People are receiving their online voting through the election body and they use the SMS. We have stations at the headquarters in case they’re having trouble so we can assist but tomorrow [Sunday] we do face-to-face. So we’re doing one day online and then one day face-to-face,” he said.
Jones also detailed the measures in place to ensure fairness.
“We have put all the different checks and balances to make sure that there is no duplication. So we don’t want any duplication in terms of voting, and once the online voting is done today [Saturday], those names will be taken off the master list. So that tomorrow [Sunday], those who are doing the physical voting, only those names will appear on the major list,” he said. (CLM)
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