Mixed reactions to Dr. Yearwood’s re-election 

There are diverging views from two political commentators regarding the victory of Dr. Ronnie Yearwood, who was re-elected president of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).

He polled 465 votes, dismissing the challenge from three other opponents, which included two former senior cabinet ministers. The results were officially announced yesterday after two days of voting, during the 68th dlp Annual Conference at their George Street Headquarters. The nearest challenger, Dr David Estwick, had 227 votes; Ryan Walters amassed 188; and former tourism minister, Richard Sealy received 29 votes.

Political scientist Dr. George Belle believes the coalescing of forces worked in favour of the incumbent president. He said it was a substantial victory for Dr. Yearwood. But political analyst, Peter Wickham thinks the result is not good news for the DLP leader.

In other news from the DLP election, Steve Blackett was returned as general secretary with 510 votes and Pedro Shepherd was named the assistant general secretary with 365 votes.

Meanwhile, former minister of housing Michael Lashley KC won the post of first vice president with 497 votes. The other vice presidents are retired trade unionist Walter Maloney with 376, advocate Felicia Dujon with 334 and former candidate Andre Worrell with 269. Jeff Shepherd won 358 votes to edge Nicholas Alleyne by five votes for the position of treasurer.

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