GPSU has no presidential term limit

… as younger members call for fresh blood
Incumbent President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Patrick Yarde, can serve at the helm of the Union for life as there are no term or age limits in the body’s constitution.

GPSU’s First Vice President, Mortimer Livan made the disclosure as he rejected calls from protesters for Yarde to step aside from running again for the presidency at the upcoming elections on April 24.
Yarde has served in that capacity for over 30 years and protesters are saying that it is time for him to depart and pave the way for fresh blood.
But Livan, who led a delegation during a press conference on Wednesday, made it clear that elections are a democratic process and persons are free to nominate whoever they please.
In fact, he pointed out that five other persons have been nominated to contest the post of presidency.
Livan, however, could not provide their names because the tabulating and finalising of the nomination process would not be completed until March 24.
Notwithstanding, the Executive Members of the GPSU were all in favour of a return of Yarde to the helm of the Union as they showered him with praises in defence against the protesters.
Livan disclosed that the Executive Council unanimously requested that Yarde contest the presidency during a meeting on February 28.
But the Council argued that their support of Yarde should not be misconstrued to mean that the body does not promote the involvement and elevation of younger members.
According to Livan, the protest actions are “devoid of any legitimate basis” and are solely intended to “embarrass the Union”.
He contended that the protest is only being executed by persons who are misguided; those who refused to pay the right amount of union dues, and non-members.
According to the First Vice President, GPSU’s rules dictate, “only persons who are fully paid up members with effect from the 1st of May of the year prior to the election shall be eligible to exercise their ballot.”