Blackett “hurt” by expulsion/party at “turning point”, says Yearwood

Steve Blackett is calling on the rank and file of the Democratic Labour Party to rise up in opposition to his expulsion from the party.

Mr. Blackett who was suspended over his opposition to the DLP’s new political leader, Ralph Thorne, was last night expelled from the opposition party, along with the suspended President Dr. Ronnie Yearwood.

In a notice to DLP members late last night, the acting General Secretary Pedro Sheperd announced the decision.

Acting DLP General Secretary, Pedro Sheperd.

Mr. Blackett tells Starcom Network News the development is hurtful given his many years of dedication to the DLP.

He believes the general membership should rally to his defense.

Steve Blackett.

Dr. Ronnie Yearwood is also disappointed over the development and says the party is at crossroads.

Dr. Ronnie Yearwood.

However, long-standing DLP member Hartley Reid, who has previously sought to bring a no-confidence motion against both Dr. Yearwood and Mr. Blackett hails the move.

DLP member Hartley Reid.

Political Scientist, Dr. Kristina Hinds, sees the expulsion of Steve Blackett and Dr. Ronnie Yearwood from the DLP as a strategic move.

Political Scientist Dr. Kristina Hinds

Another Political Scientist, Dr. George Belle, believes the decision was made with the intention of moving the party forward from the troublesome period it has been experiencing.