The office of general secretary (GS) is arguably the most critical on any union’s executive, especially that of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU). This office is the centre of the union’s operations. Indeed, the functioning of the executive is only as effective as the general secretary is effective.

A non-performing GS is tantamount to a non-performing executive. Therefore, as members of the SVGTU go out to on February 17 and 18, 2016, I urge you to think carefully about whom you might chose to fill this position.

Jane Farrell, who “served” as assistant general secretary on the outgoing executive, is now  running for GS. Whatever you do, DO NOT vote for Jane. Even if you are thinking about it, here are some points you may wish to consider.

1. How effective was Jane as assistant general secretary over the past biennium?
2. Does she possess the skills set required for the crucial role of GS?
3. Why has she failed to produce the minutes for so many meetings of the union?
4. Why did she absent herself from so many meetings of the union?
5. Why did she actively undermine the National Executive during the recent conflict with the government?

This is a lady whose tenure is office as assistant general secretary has been marked by gross incompetence, negligence and dereliction of duties. This is a lady who refused to show solidarity with the union during a period of crisis. How can she now function as general secretary, the most critical office of the executive?

Colleagues, think about it!

Philbert “Peejohn” John