The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has marked its 71st Founders Day anniversary with a call for members to take pride in and celebrate the party’s legacy.
In a media release issued on Sunday, acting President Stephen Lashley reflected on the party’s founding on April 27, 1955, noting that it emerged as a movement grounded in vision, courage and a commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive society rooted in social justice.
He spoke of the party’s role in shaping modern Barbados, pointing to key national achievements including the establishment of the Central Bank of Barbados in 1972 to safeguard monetary stability, investments in education that empowered generations, the development of social protection systems to ensure dignity in times of need, and the strengthening of public institutions to support governance and accountability.
Lashley said these achievements were part of a deliberate nation‑building project.
“These were not isolated achievements. They were part of a deliberate and coherent effort to build a modern social democracy rooted in opportunity, fairness and national pride,” he said.
He further underscored the DLP’s role not only in leading Barbados to independence, but also in undertaking the essential task of building the institutional framework required to sustain it, helping the country achieve stability, resilience and long‑term development.
Lashley said these systems have stood the test of time.
“It was this party that laid that foundation, establishing the structures that have enabled Barbados to endure, adapt, and thrive.”
Turning to the present, Lashley said the party must now focus on renewal and recommitment.
“We are called not only to remember, but to renew. Our history is a source of strength, but it is also a responsibility. It reminds us that we are heirs to a proud legacy and the custodians of a future yet to be fully realised.”
He encouraged DLP members to reconnect with communities to rebuild trust and reposition the party as the voice of the people.
“The call now is for unity, for recommitment, and for action, guided by the clear wishes of our people. Let us reconnect with each other. Let us re‑engage with our communities. Let us bring forward the full measure of our talent, our ideas, and our energy in service of Barbados. The task before us is not simply to rebuild, but to reimagine, to rekindle trust and confidence in who we are as a people, to once again position this great party as the voice of the people and a voice for national progress.”
While acknowledging the party’s recent challenges, Lashley insisted it must remain resilient.
“Though we have faced recent challenges, the spirit of the Democratic Labour Party remains unbroken. Our mission endures with you, the people of Barbados, as our anchor; our purpose is clear.”
The acting president expressed confidence in the party’s revival through hard work, humility and faith in the people, stating, “As we honour those who laid the foundation of this movement on Founder’s Day, let us also realise and recognise those who will carry it forward.”
He said the future of the party will be shaped collectively through service and commitment.
