Thorne Awaits New Vote on Membership Application After Meeting With Party Leadership

Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne awaits a vote on his application to join the Democratic Labour Party having met with DLP President Dr. Ronnie Yearwood and General Secretary Steve Blackett as mandated by the party’s executive council.

The council over the weekend postponed a vote on Mr. Thorne’s application to rejoin the DLP following his split from the ruling Barbados Labour Party.

It was recommended that Mr. Thorne meet with the party’s leadership before his application is voted on given the concerns about events that preceded his application including the appointment of opposition Senators without input from the DLP President.

Mr. Thorne, who is set to become the political leader of the DLP if his application to rejoin the party is approved, reportedly met with Dr. Yearwood and Mr. Blackett at the general secretary’s residence in the presence of DLP stalwarts Robert “Bobby” Morris, a veteran trade union negotiator who appears to have played a key mediating role.

Afterwards, speaking to reporters following an address to a meeting of the DLP St. Michael North West branch Mr. Thorne made clear that he still awaits a vote on his bid to join the party..

Mr. Thorne confirmed that he had met with the President and General Secretary but stressed that the outcome of his application is still up to the Executive Council.