Senator Andre Worrell says he feels no bitterness regarding last weekend’s Democratic Labour Party (DLP) internal elections, but rather felt relieved.
The former acting president of the DLP was nominated for the post of general secretary, but lost to Pedro Shepherd, who was returned for a second term. As such, Worrell no longer holds any executive position within the party.
“We had long since decided that, coming up to the election year, the political leader should run as the president. It allows for [political leader] Ralph [Thorne] to run unopposed in this situation for the presidency, which I happily supported.
“Me not actually taking on the position of general secretary gives me the opportunity to step back a little bit from having to attend so many meetings and be able to actually focus more on the St Michael Central constituency. I was actually relieved, quite frankly,” he told the MIDWEEK NATION.
He said it was more a case of him being nominated for a position he had never done before, rather than him actively seeking it out, but if he had been elected, he would have given it his all.
“I was nominated for the position so I just allowed the nomination to go through. If I were successful, I would have gone with what the members wanted and put structures in place because it is a very demanding role. You would obviously need strong administrative support in order to get things done . . . but I think Pedro has done an excellent job and will continue to do so. So there’s no bitterness, no animosity and we will all work together because we have to start preparing for a general election.”
The senator also responded to suggestions that he should have thrown his hat into the ring for a vice-presidency, being a former fourth vice-president.
“Yes, it may have been a better choice, but the decision has already been made and I’m the sort of person who, once I think through my plans, I deal with what the possibilities are in terms of the outcome. So I knew that this was a potential possibility, and I’ve accepted it and moved on,” he reflected.
As for his future, Worrell stressed he was as loyal a “Dem” as ever and still had pivotal roles to play as a senator, party member and constituency candidate.
“I am still a DLP member, I’m still a strong supporter, a senator and also the spokesperson on health. I have always been committed to the DLP. I have served on the executive consistently since 2009, so missing out on one year is not necessarily going to break my heart or anything of that nature.
“I think that the members of the party know that I’m one of the persons they can look to for information coming out on the party. So I’m always flying the flag of the DLP. So even if I’m not on the executive, the members of the party know what I’m capable of. I’ve proven that over the years.”
He said the party’s next major hurdle was the General Elections, constitutionally due in 2027, and it would be all hands on deck.
“I think our focus as a political party should be in terms of winning seats. If the people of Barbados want us to be the next Government, we are ready and able to take on that responsibility as well.”
Worrell also voiced his thoughts on former minister Donville Inniss securing the position of first vicepresident, a move that some have turned a critical eye on after his 2021 conviction in the United States on conspiracy and money laundering charges. He served a prison term and was later deported to Barbados.
“The members of the party voted for him. He was nominated and the members of the party voted. That was a decision taken at the party’s conference, so let the party go through and deal with it. Donville still has something to offer,” he said. (CA)
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