Dear Mr. Editor,

I WISH to state that I give support to the protest action against the President of the Guyana Public Service Union, but not because of his long tenure at the helm of the Union, but because of his integrity and his greed that has him still seated there.

His current Executive Members are all blindly supporting him and there are others that would do anything to win his confidence so that the presidency would pass on, mind you not based on competence or merit but loyalty. Patrick Yarde would go after any member with vengeance, who dare to challenge him, even those who have since moved on.

As in the particular case of the recently concluded COI into the matter with the Matron of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the Chairperson of that COI was Ms. Chandrawattie Persaud, a Registered Nurse/Midwife, former General Secretary of the Union, an Attorney-at-Law, and one who recently completed her Masters’ Degree in Public Medicine at the University of Guyana. This is a woman of integrity and Mr. Yarde tried every moment to discredit her and the work of the COI. The COI’s unanimous recommendation was that the Matron should be dismissed from the employ of the Hospital as was published in the media.

The recent press conference, by the so-called executive members, was done by his instigation. I say this because no one dare utter any word on behalf of the Union without his sanction, a method of control he uses very well. What about the staff of the Secretariat? I am sure that they themselves have much to say on this matter and even him being their employer and representative at the same time – a serious case of conflict of interest. I dare the staff members to come out and tell their story. It is sad. No promotions, staff who are temporary for years, payment of union dues and no representation etc. The GGMC Branch wrote asking to be the representative of the staff, having recognised the issue.

What the members should do is to move a no-confidence motion against him as the so-called elections has a 95% rate of being rigged. Members, you are not getting your money’s worth. The current executive council has to support him because he pays them well for their loyalty. This election is only a gimmick and there are rumours of executive instigation against others. The picketing exercise is causing agitation and as I listened to the news report I recognised that the 1st Vice President already had information about the list of nominees, since when the question was asked about any challenges to the presidency he stated that he cannot offhand remember the names. At that time someone instantly reminded him that the Elections Officer did not produce that information as yet.

Regards
Lorrain McDonald
Former Retired Executive Branch Officer of the GPSU