Big on works and not words. Those were the sentiments of former Barbados and West Indies cricketer Floyd Reifer as he addressed patrons of the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) ‘Lift Up and Praise’ gospel concert and public meeting on Sunday night at the Glebe Playing Field. Reifer, who was born and raised in Parish Land and will be representing the DLP in their November 11thbid for the St. George North seat, said that he was humbled by opportunity and is ready for the task at hand.
Stating that for the two years the people of Barbados had been fed a dictionary of words and very little action, Reifer urged the people of the constituency to make the right choice or be subject to even more talk. Calling himself a proud son of the St. George North soil, he said that he knew how the people felt about the former parliamentary representative Gline Clarke after having presided over the constituency for 26 years. However, he cautioned the people to be wise with their decision this time around.
“For many of us he has become like our Uncle Gline. Few can deny that he is well liked in St. George North. After all, he is one of us – a home-town boy. But because I have known Gline for so long, I genuinely believe that his heart is in the right place and that he tried very hard to serve the people of St. George North but the sad truth is he failed. And we know he failed because at the end of the day, the Barbados Labour Party doesn’t think much of him or the people he represented in St. George North. In fact, it is clear that they believe that no matter how badly they treat us and how much they ignore our concerns, we will still vote for Gline,” Reifer said.
Drawing reference to Barbados Labour Party candidate Senator Toni Moore and calling her a bad fit for the seat, Reifer took time out tocriticisea number of the policies put in place by the government.
“All these programmes that are designed to ensure that poor people remain poor begin with ‘B’. They would have us believe that ‘B’ is for Barbados, but I feel ‘B’ is for BLP and whether it is BERT, BOSS or BEST, it is bad for Bim. Friends, family and neighbours, I am telling you tonight for your own sakes, you need to reject Moore because you will only get less.”
Noting that politics in Barbados has been partisan for as long as we all can remember, Reifer sent the strong message that he intended to take care of everyone in his community.
“I say to you tonight it is time that we put a stop to the ongoing disrespect of the people in St. George North by the Barbados Labour Party. It is time to send a strong message that St. George North lives matter too, and it should not matter what colourshirt you have on. I will be representing all. I don’t see colour, I see people. The old woman with the medical issue can only get help if she is wearing red? And the man who walks St. George North and cannot afford shoes because his t-shirt is not red. What about the fatherless child that only gets supplies if his mother is wearing a red t-shirt. No way! Every man, woman and child in St. George North will be my priority,” he said.
Going on to reveal that he had a vision for serious community empowerment and community inclusion and that every contribution would be cherished on its merit, Reifer said that he was ready to bring his constituency to the future.
“Why is it in 2020 that with all the technology and skills available in St. George North our young men and women can’t get help to pursue a business or even a community project? I am going to change that. We will set up a community resource bank and we will match people who have experience in various aspects of business with those who need advice and guidance to bring their ideas to life. That same community resource bank will serve as a directory of businesses and services available in St. George North. Home drums will beat first! Imagine in 2020, our farmers still struggle to sell their produce when we have community centres and other spaces that can serve as the location for weekly farmers’ markets. I have plans, big plans. Big works too. And I am listening to you, the people of St. George North. I hear you and in the coming weeks and beyond we will continue to have these conversations. I am in this for the long haul. Time for big works, not words!” (MP)