What if Duke wins?

I was then a young activist who was inspired by the then PSA president, Jennifer Baptiste- Primus, who taught me an invaluable lesson during that and many other struggles — that the job of president requires commitment of a high order.

Today I am a very concerned member of the PSA who has been keenly observing current PSA president Watson Duke’s consistency which should be of grave importance to the people of Tobago on the eve of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election, as well as every public officer.

Anyone who is seriously interested in leading any organisation must be prepared to serve before wanting to lead. Such an individual should at least have a proven track record of service, experience and commitment in the organisation of which he wishes to lead. I have learnt this critical lesson the hard way.

While Duke is actively pursuing his dream of becoming the Chief Secretary of the THA, I waited patiently to see what comment/ statement he or his executive would have made regarding the collective period of 2014- 2016 that concluded last December 31.

Are members of the PSA/Public Service aware of the contents of any proposals submitted to the Chief Personnel Officer on their behalf? Were they included/ consulted in the drafting of any proposals if they were indeed submitted? While Duke is campaigning in Tobago, the public must ask how ethical it is for an employee to access a no-pay facility to work fulltime in his representing union from his employer and take leave to pursue a post that will, if he is successful, also require him to be employed on a full-time basis.

While Duke is campaigning, the workers of the Water and Sewerage Authority and other departments/ministries have indicated they have not had any section elections or they are not aware of whom their representatives are since he became president.

Should that information be accurate it would indicate a breach of the constitution of the PSA and a total disrespect to the fundamental and democratic principles of trade unionism.

While Duke is campaigning, several Public Service officers are still temporary despite being employed for many years. Many Public Service officers are acting in higher posts and are not being confirmed despite receiving positive appraisals of their performance.

What is our union doing to address these? While Duke is campaigning, many Public Service officers are working under adverse conditions and have dropped out of the PSA following the raising of dues by 100 percent.

The least any leader can do in an organisation is to build on and improve what they met, not abandon the mission in midair.

Can you imagine going to Tobago via airplane on vacation and while in midair the pilot decides to jump out the plane, because he had a dream he could fly?

Oral A Saunders via email