Decision Day
IT’S decision day for members of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW).
Today they will head to various polling stations to decide if they want to reinstate incumbent President Akanni McDowall, or see his counterpart Roy Greendige at the helm of the island’s largest public sector trade union for the next two years.
Back in 2015 McDowall won resoundingly against three other candidates, who went up for the position left vacant after Walter Maloney’s retirement.
The heated battle intensified in recent days with accusations of political interference being levelled throughout the race.
McDowall also finds himself locking horns with the executive of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital over one of the claims in his list of achievements: “Orderlies, after union intervention, were allowed to work as emergency medical technicians (given the opportunity for improved pay)”. The QEH is asking for this statement to be withdrawn. McDowall maintains however that the NUPW was involved in the process.
McDowall stands shoulder to shoulder as he did in 2015 with Asokore Beckles, who will once again go up for the post of General Treasurer; and Fabian Jones who will be seeking the post of first VP.
New additions to his team are Corey Marshall up for the post of Deputy General Treasurer; Kim Webster, second VP; and Jane Albert- Hall third VP.
McDowall in his campaign message noted that he was given a mandate by NUPW membership in 2015 and it was reaffirmed when they voted once again in his favour in the no-confidence motion. He also says that the record of the NUPW under his leadership speaks for itself.
Roy Greenidge, who highlights his three decades in the Union, will be leading Team Solidarity. He notes that he spent four years as the first VP and six years as the Deputy General Treasurer. He questions the leadership of the team led by McDowall and says he intends to bring back respect to the NUPW. On his team will be Horace Deane for General Treasurer, Michelle Brathwaite for Deputy General Treasurer, Margo Bannister- first VP, Kimberley Agard second VP and Charles Bostic third VP.
David Denny is also vying for the post of third VP.
Voting will officially begin today with the polling station at the Sanitation Service Authority to be the first to open its doors as early as 5:30am. The NUPW headquarters will be opened from 6am to 6pm. Opening times vary for the other polling stations, with the majority closing at 4pm. The opening and closing times of the floating North and South boxes are also varied. (JH)