Listening to the NDP rally last night, the energy was electric. The excitement for change was undeniable. After years of trying, the NDP has finally succeeded in mobilising the youth — and that’s no small achievement.
But just when the celebration was reaching its peak, some of the founding members — often labelled the “old grumpy men” — took to the stage and attempted to extinguish that energy. Imagine telling young people not to blow the very horns the party provided to express their love, joy, and support. It was embarrassing, and quite frankly, insulting.
And then the Central Kingstown candidate? Threatening to sit down if the supporters didn’t stop celebrating? He actually turned his back, walked off, and a dark cloud settled over the entire gathering. When he tried to recover afterwards, his words fell flat. Because here’s the truth: rallies are not the time for stiff policy recitals. They are moments of unity, celebration, and rallying the people to stand up, show up, and vote.
Turning your back on the very supporters you want to lead? That is a travesty. You cannot want to be in the kitchen but refuse to feel the heat. Stay home if you are not ready for a new era of politics. Or better yet — give your seat to someone who is.
One has to wonder — was that a deliberate sabotage? An attempt to undermine the leader’s connection with the youth? Because politically, it made no sense at all.
For years, we’ve heard that Dr. Friday is weak, indecisive, lacking leadership qualities. But the last five years have proven the opposite. He has grown, matured, and shown himself to be thoughtful, calm, compassionate, and genuinely connected to his supporters.
Last night, he demonstrated true leadership. He took the podium, encouraged the supporters, embraced their excitement, and welcomed the horns — because he understands that enthusiasm is the heartbeat of a movement. THAT is leadership. The executive was absolutely right to entrust him with the reins of this party.
Meanwhile, Mr. Leacock, Mr. Cummings, and Bramble — perhaps the age is catching up. Maybe you’re too focused on the papers in front of you and not enough on the people behind you. You cannot mute excitement and expect to win hearts.
Across the political divide, an 80-year-old man is telling his supporters to blow their horns proudly — yet here you are, scolding your own.
And this morning, many of us woke up with one disturbing question:
If this is how you treat supporters now, what will the disrespect look like when you form government?
Because the people are watching.
The youth are watching.
And November 2025 will answer that question loudly — with or without horns.
Teckia London
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