“Together with Tyra” was her slogan, but tenacity and tolerance are what led Attorney Tyra Trotman to win the candidacy for St. Michael Central last night.
Even as she defeated the CEO of the Small Business Association, Lynette Holder, 156–45, she took her win gracefully, asking Holder to join her on stage. The Major Noot Hall was packed to capacity and full of vibrancy, with many popular party faces circulating on the St. Michael grounds of the Combermere School.
In an interview with News On The Go just as the votes were being counted, Trotman said she was exuberant. “I am excited, I am elated, this is just the beginning—the work is now getting started. I am so excited about this new chapter and what is to come,” she said, with Speaker of the House Arthur Holder congratulating her in the background.
During her winning speech, she focused heavily on social reform, stating she wants to see change in “how we relate to the Barbados Police Service, seeing it for what it is: a service that exists to protect, serve, and reassure the community.” Building on this vision of community safety, she added, “We have to be honest. Crime is not a path to success. It damages neighborhoods and damages the very progress we are trying to build.”
To address these issues, Trotman introduced her FIRM platform, standing for Finance, Infrastructure, Reassurance, and Mental Health.
While Trotman looked toward the future of the constituency, the focus briefly shifted to political history. Trotman acknowledged she was not always with the Labour Party, but declared to loud cheers that she was always with the people of St. Michael Central. Conversely, former Senator Lynette Holder used her time at the podium to emphasize her long-standing loyalty to the institution.
In a spirited defense of her record, Holder clarified that she had never switched sides. “I’ve never held membership in any other political institution,” she said. “I served in St. Michael North East, I served as Branch President, I served on National Council, in the St. Michael Zone, and as a Government Senator. I’ve represented this community in the small business fora.” Despite the loss, Holder’s speech remained dignified, highlighting her decades of service to the party’s rank and file.
This moment of shereflection led directly into a show of solidarity. As Trotman took the stage for her final victory remarks, asked Holder to join her, saying, “One family! One family!” Embracing Holder, many Barbadians in the crowd said they “loved” Trotman’s stance, publicly praising her for embracing her fellow competitor who took the loss graciously.
Prime Minister Mottley, who made a short speech, said she was happy to see locals “red and ready.” She added, “This means we must now pull together and begin to ensure that we can build on this.”
Turning her attention to the outgoing representative for St. Michael Central, Speaker of the House Arthur Holder, PM Mottley noted that she was deeply grateful for his years of dedicated service. Jokingly, the PM added, “I will let you finish your speech and finish your term,” to applause and laughs.
“But I could not ask for a better brother on my board over the course of the last 12 years and I thank you for your service—but I no longer have the locs to play with,” she added to more laughter.
“Just as you have done your best, you have told us you want to usher in a new beginning and we respect that. But we know for the people of St. Michael Central, you will always be there for them. You were there before you became a Member of Parliament and you will be there after, the PM said to rapturous applause.
