We report for duty!
And with those words Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and her soon-to-be-sworn-in Members of Parliament announced to the thousands dressed in red – who filled the expansive National Botanical Gardens in Waterford – that they were ready to continue the work they started, after securing their third and historic 30-0 win at the polls last Wednesday.
Mottley urged Barbadians to “fall in love with our country again” and to embrace unity beyond party lines as supporters celebrated at the “Thank You” election victory celebration.
Against a backdrop of pulsating DJ music, live entertainment and a sea of waving flags, Mottley shifted the focus from triumph to togetherness, telling supporters that the overwhelming mandate must be matched with humility and collective responsibility.
“Tonight, on Valentine’s Day, in the shadow of what has been another amazing mandate from the people of this country, I ask you all of Barbados, not just those of us in red, to fall in love with our country again,” she declared.
‘Largest possible mandate’
The festive atmosphere was electric. Families, young people and long-time party stalwarts, many dressed in bright red, celebrated what the Prime Minister described as “the largest possible mandate”.
The event doubled as both a victory rally and a Valentine’s Day celebration, with Mottley weaving themes of love, service and national pride into her address.
Recalling that the party had intended to celebrate previous victories in her St Michael North East constituency but was prevented first by overgrown grounds in 2018 and later by COVID-19 restrictions in 2022, she said Wednesday’s win made the choice of venue inevitable.
“I didn’t have to think twice about where you would come,” she said, noting the significance of finally gathering there in person.
But amid the cheers, Mottley cautioned that electoral success alone would not secure Barbados’ future. She challenged citizens, particularly young people, to take ownership of the country’s destiny.
Collective responsibility
“To the young people . . . it is your country that we are building and I want you to treat it with tender care and attention,” she said, warning that without collective responsibility, future generations would not enjoy the Barbados their parents and grandparents had known.
Emphasising personal accountability, she reminded supporters that “no one owes us a living” and called on workers to “do the best that we can do”, while looking out for neighbours, families and communities.
She also underscored the importance of civility and national character, urging Barbadians to hold fast to simple courtesies.
“The things that allow us to be polite – good morning, good afternoon, good evening, thank you, please – they take nothing from us . . . but what they do is to tell people that we are special and that we love and respect ourselves,” she said.
Turning to governance, Mottley reiterated that her administration would continue to pursue policies aimed at reducing poverty and expanding opportunity.
“We commit to continuing to stop poor people from being poor. We commit to fighting injustice wherever it is. We commit to trying to provide as many opportunities for as many of you, especially those who are young,” she pledged.
She stressed the need for partnership between Government, labour and business, promising continued engagement with the Social Partnership and affirming the role of strong unions and thriving enterprises in sustaining economic growth.
Reflecting on the party’s record since its first 30-0 victory in 2018, Mottley said the administration had not abused its mandate, pointing to constitutional reforms that reduced the powers of the Prime Minister and deepened democracy.
“Our mission is to transform Barbados . . . and to make ourselves capable of delivering world-class service and capable of being one of the strongest and most resilient small states on the planet Earth,” she said.
She acknowledged ongoing national concerns, including traffic congestion, crime and drug-related issues and pledged that her Government would address them in the new term.
In a symbolic moment, Mottley reminded the crowd that February 11 marked the anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, drawing parallels with Barbados’ peaceful democratic tradition.
“It is a reminder for us never to take for granted what we have built in this country, that we can move from election to election . . . without violence, without incident, without in any way our democracy being undermined,” she said.
As she called newly-elected Members of Parliament to the stage one by one, the celebration swelled, with supporters cheering loudly into the night. Closing her remarks, the Prime Minister summed up the mood of the evening with a declaration that blended gratitude and resolve.
“We report for duty to you, the people of Barbados. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she said. t was one big sea of red in the
National Botanical Gardens yesterday. Even before the scheduled 4 p.m. start, the Waterford, St Michael venue was being painted red as thousands of supporters, young and old, turned out to celebrate the Barbados Labour Party’s historic three-peat 30-0 win at the polls last Wednesday. It was also an opportunity for supporters to show their love, not just to the winning party, but to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) staged a massive “Thank You” election victory celebration as motorcades swept through constituencies before culminating in a vibrant show at the National Botanical Gardens.
By as early as 4 p.m., the grounds were filled with patrons taking up various vantage points to enjoy the entertainment, as many made themselves comfortable in their portable picnic chairs.
Patrons gave their approval of the entertainment delivered from the start, with lively performances Chandler, Natalie Burke, Tionne Hernandez,
Marzville, and DJs Menace and Surf Among those soaking up the atmosphere who said she was thoroughly enjoying “I’m enjoying myself so far; the vibes with this turnout here I’m having a good Another patron, Chris Brandis, described memorable.
Good energy
“To be quite honest, it’s a bit epic really. enjoying this scenery. I love that the people culture. I’m happy about this turnout.”
Member of Parliament for Christ Church Straughn, told the Sunday Sun the celebration meaning, coming just days after the party’s Valentine’s Day. He explained that during his constituency, he distributed 200 carnations route and later handed out the remaining entertainment line-up that performances from TC, Barry Hernandez, Brucelee Almightee, Surf Rat.
atmosphere was Sandra Prescod, the experience. vibes are good. I’m so pleased good time.” described the evening as really. The energy is good, I’m people came out to support the turnout.” Church East Central, Ryan celebration carried special party’s election victory and on during the motorcade through carnations to women along the remaining flowers to those gathered at the Botanical Gardens.
“What you just saw is just one of my constituents [to] whom I would have given one of the carnations. But it really is love and I really thank them for their support and I can feel the love right here in the Botanical Gardens,” he said. “Wonderful event so far.
We have some catering at the back, drinks are flowing, nice music and everybody just enjoying the event.”
He also expressed satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the crowd grew steadily throughout the day.
“Absolutely pleased with this turnout. We picked up people along the way as we were going through community by community and then we had a full police escort down the highway. Wonderful participation and people came who did the rally with us on the motorcade,” he said, adding that even late into the night, patrons were still celebrating and enjoying the atmosphere.
Vendors reported brisk business as the evening unfolded, with many expecting sales to climb as the crowd continued to grow.
Juanita Payne, owner of Sweet Treats, said sales were steady throughout the afternoon.
“Not bad at all. The cotton candy selling better than the balloons but I still trying with the balloons. For me, every dollar counts and I’m very happy for this BLP party. I call it a party,” she said, noting that nearby vendors, including friends selling smoothies and popcorn, were also doing well.
“I hope the balloons pick up,” she added.
Nearby, Heather Aimes, owner of Heatherlicious, said her food sales were strong, with one local favourite selling out quickly.
“So far, sales are going good at the moment. Only thing, it should be a little earlier in the day. It should have started at 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. so people could get food earlier,” she said. “We do cou cou and flying fish on the spot and that has sold out already. So it’s going pretty well for us.”
Meanwhile, Margaret Greaves expressed understanding about measures affecting vendors operating near passing traffic, noting that while dust from large trucks could be a concern, temporary pauses in service were manageable.
She said she sympathised with the vendors and believed the precautions were in everyone’s best interest, adding that the atmosphere overall reflected unity.
“We are one big family,” she said.
The party continued well into the night as the BLP candidates took to the stage to say their individual thank-yous to their constituents and teams. (TRY)
