However, to answer that question it was hinted in the most recent commentary by Dwyer Astaphan entitled, ‘Red Herrings,’ who the PM had in mind as his successor.

According to Astaphan, “Around 2005-2006, I stood in a Labour Party Annual Conference at the Marriott Hotel, in the presence of several hundred persons and expressed the view that in the interests of the Party and the nation, the transition towards new leadership should begin.”

It was also revealed by the former elected Member of Parliament that there were two retreats of the Cabinet and the Labour Party high-ups to discuss concerns, not only Astaphan’s concern, but of other Cabinet members in relation to Dr. Douglas’ leadership.

“Finally, a meeting was held at the Marriott Hotel a few years ago. Present were Denzil, Sam (Sam Condor), Timothy (Timothy Harris), Asim (Earl Asim Martin), then Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson, Hartley Henry and myself. That meeting was held to seek a way to resolve the concerns of Sam, Timothy and myself with regard to Denzil’s leadership,” Astaphan explained.

The cat was let out of the bag when Astphan said in his commentary, “Again for the record, let me tell you that the very first person to whom I raised the idea of transitioning to new leadership was Denzil himself. That was before the 2004 elections, and he said that he had been thinking of it also, and that he had Nigel Carty in mind to succeed him as Party Leader.”

The news of what the PM disclosed to Mr. Astaphan came as a shock to some. “When I told this to Sam (Sam Condor), he said: “Don’t make jokes! You mean succeed him in Number 6?

“Then I explained to him that I had spoken with Denzil about the leadership of the Party and the Government, but Sam obviously had no appetite for that notion. But that is what Denzil said to me, and it has been borne out, as far as I’m concerned, by his efforts over the ensuing years,(and becoming more openly recognized in recent times), to disrespect and discredit Sam (Sam Condor) and Tim (Timothy Harris),” Astaphan stated.

Astaphan’s commentary can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.miyvue.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1490&catid=53 in the commentary section.