Barbados – ‘Fall in Love’ With Country Says PM Mottley

2026-02-16 - 12:38

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley used her post-election victory rally to deliver a message that extended beyond political triumph, urging citizens to rediscover national pride and collective responsibility following her administration’s third consecutive 30–0 general election victory. Speaking before thousands gathered at the National Botanical Gardens in the St Michael North East constituency, Mottley described the occasion as especially meaningful, explaining that it marked the first time she was able to host a victory celebration within her own constituency after previous election wins in 2018 and 2022. “When we won on Wednesday night, I didn’t have to think twice about where you would come,” she told supporters dressed in party colours. Expanding her appeal beyond partisan lines, she added, “I ask you all, not just those of us in red, to fall in love with our country again.” Held on Valentine’s Day, the rally blended celebration with reflection, as the Prime Minister shifted focus toward national unity and civic duty. Addressing younger Barbadians directly, she emphasized shared ownership of the nation’s future, stating, “To the young people... it is your country that we are building. Treat it with tender care and attention because if you do not, you will not get to enjoy the country that your parents and grandparents have enjoyed.” Mottley underscored that a strong democratic mandate must be matched by personal responsibility, reminding citizens that “no one owes us a living,” while encouraging a renewed work ethic and social solidarity. “We need to work together. We need to do the best that we can do [at our jobs],” she said, urging Barbadians to care for “our brothers and our sisters, our godchildren, our grandchildren and our neighbors.” Reaffirming her administration’s policy direction, she pledged continued action against poverty and inequality, declaring, “We commit to continuing to stop poor people from being poor. We commit to fight injustice wherever it is.” The Prime Minister also outlined priorities aimed at strengthening national development, including expanding opportunities for young people to reduce outward migration, deepening partnerships with labour unions and the private sector, and advancing democratic reforms. Referencing her government’s overwhelming electoral mandate, she said, “I told you in 2018 that we would not abuse it... We reduced the powers of a Prime Minister, and we broadened and deepened our democracy, and we will do it again.” Acknowledging ongoing national concerns such as traffic congestion, gun crime, and voter participation, Mottley maintained that transformation remains central to her administration’s agenda. “There are many things that we will address, from traffic to gun crime,” she noted, adding that the broader 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.” Closing her address, Mottley returned to the Valentine’s Day theme with a personal reflection that framed national renewal through individual confidence and unity. “The most important love on Valentine’s Day is self-love,” she said. “Look in the mirror... and love who you see.”