Another attorney-at-law is leading the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) as it tries to rebuild from its 30-nil drubbing at the polls in May.
Verla De Peiza has succeeded former prime minister Freundel Stuart – who stepped down following the election defeat –, after being elected unopposed as DLP president yesterday, on the final day of the party’s two-day 63rd annual general conference.
In her first speech as party leader, the defeated Christ Church West candidate rallied supporters and urged the various organs of the parties to rejuvenate so the party can rebuild.
“If nothing else gives us the impetus to move forward it must be the fear of failing. This party is bigger than us. This party has a responsibility to this country and we are equal to that task,” she said.
“There is without doubt a mammoth task ahead of us….We have to repair breaches internally and externally and because I have no interest in wallowing in the wilderness for longer than is absolutely necessary, we must step up and act and address these matters frontally without fear, without favour.”
De Peiza will be supported in the party leadership by former Parliamentary Secretary in the previous administration, Irene Sandiford-Garner who was elected First Vice President; Second Vice President Nicholas Alleyne; Third Vice President George Connolly; and Fourth Vice President Andre Worrell.
Attorney-at-law Guyson Mayers is the new General Secretary, replacing George Pilgrim who stepped down from that post after serving for 10 years.
Frank Firebrace was elected to the post of treasurer.
