The crux of the members’ dwindling confidence centres around Yearwood travelling to Saint Lucia to join Allen Chastanet’s Opposition Leader’s newly-formed caucus.

According to the motion filed, DLP Political Leader, Ralph Thorne, did not give his permission for Yearwood to attend - or join - Chastanet’s caucus.

The History:

In 2022, Ronnie Yearwood was elected to the post of President of the Democratic Labour Party. At the time, the DLP had no seats in the Barbadian House of Parliament. As President, Yearwood served as Principal Spokesperson for the DLP.

In February 2024, Member of Parliament, Ralph Thorne, left the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to become the Leader of the Opposition and joined the DLP. Per the DLP constitution, he became their Political Leader.

As at April 2024, Ralph Thorne is the Political Leader of the DLP.

On March 26th, 2024, Allen Chastanet penned a letter to the General Secretary of the DLP, Steven Blackett, inviting Barbadian Opposition Leader, Ralph Thorne to celebrate the United Workers’ Party’s 60th Anniversary and to form Allen Chastanet’s Opposition Leader’s caucus.

Subsequently, a motion filed by Hartley Reid of the DLP, says Ralph Thorne was never notified of the invitation.

“Mr. Ralph Thorne was never notified of the invitation but a delegation headed by President Ronnie Yearwood attended purporting to represent the DLP be it be resolved that this gross misconduct and falsehood must be condemned in the strongest way and an urgent Special General Meeting of the members of the DLP be summoned to discuss this motion of “No Confidence” and rule on the behaviour of the President, General Secretary and if complicit the members of the Executive Council,” said Reid in his motion of no confidence.

According to the motion, Yearwood led a delegation to Saint Lucia without his political leader’s approval or knowledge on April 6th, 2024.

The Party however has since cited issues with the motion of No Confidence.