Guyana Public Service Union

“Rights at work - Ending Poverty & Inequality”

Press Release

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has extended congratulations to Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar on her recent election and appointment as Prime Minister which came in the wake of her victory at National Elections held in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on May 25, 2010.

The GPSU also commends the decision of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago under the Prime Minister Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar for the confidence they have place in their country's Trade  Union Movement as a strategic social partner. Tangible evidence of this is seen in the appointment of senior labour stalwarts to the Cabinet; namely Messrs Errol McLeod, retired President General of the Oil Field Trade Union and Rudy Indar Singh, President of the All Trinidad General Workers Trade Union. This is further evidenced by the principled position to engage the Labour Movement in the compilation of the Trinidad and Tobago 2010-2011 National Budget.

The GPSU, notes that these commendable actions by the Trinidad and Tobago Government are in keeping with internationally acceptable standards of inclusive governance, whereby local, regional and national governments engage civil society as strategic partners in the development process. The GPSU is heartened by this development in a CARICOM country and is convinced that it is tangible evidence of strategic social partnership which augurs well for the sustainable development of our region, especially since at this time we are face with many complex developmental challenges.

In this regard, the GPSU calls on ALL Governments of CARICOM, particularly the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, to embrace and structure the composition of their cabinets and other decision making institutions with a view to accommodating inclusive stakeholder participation.