New
boss for OWTY, McLeod
drops resignation shocker
By Louis B Homer
South
Bureau
Trinidad Express
Port
Spain
Petroleumworldtt.com
07 22 07
The Oilfields Workers' Trade Union (OWTU) is about
to get into an election mode to choose a new president
general.
Last Friday, the current president, Errol McLeod,
indicated his intention to step down before the
end of this year.
In an address to the general council, McLeod made
the surprise disclosure.
He
said it was his last address as president general
of the union. "I did announce that this is
my 21st presidential address to the annual conference
of delegates and I am now announcing, that except
if another annual conference of delegates is held
before the end of this year, there won't be another
presidential address for me."
The announcement to those attending the union's
68th annual conference of delegates at the union's
headquarters on Circular Road, San Fernando, came
as a shock, but McLeod gave members the assurance
that the future of the union is in good hands.
McLeod said he was confident that the arrangements
that were put in place would result in a smooth
handing over of the office.
Using mixed nautical and aviation terms, McLeod
said:
"For
the past 20 years, the ship has sailed so well
on rough waters. We engineered a vertical
take-off and we have been flying; now I have engaged
the landing gear. For the past 24 months, I have
had in the cockpit with me a young man whom I expect
to take that torch and run with it to light up
Trinidad and Tobago."
McLeod did not name his likely successor but the
Express learned that he has been grooming Ancil
Roget, the union's first vice-president, to take
the reins.
McLeod also noted that the general council had
come to the conclusion that the country is in a
serious crisis.
"A
year ago we had a CJ facing possible impeachment,
he was recently joined by a chief magistrate who
now faces disciplinary charges."
McLeod
said the amendment to the new constitution is
aimed at producing a constitutional dictator. "The
OWTU will have no part in this," he said.
As
to whether the OWTU will join forces with any
of the existing political parties, McLeod said, "To
join any of the existing parties is to commit suicide
and I will not be seen on any platform with the
mook, crook or dook."
McLeod said the OWTU, in conjunction with the
Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITUN)
and Non Government Organisations, will be mounting
a campaign to highlight the social demands of the
people.
"We will mount our own campaign and prepare
our own manifesto, which will be taken to every
part of Trinidad and Tobago," he said.
Trinidad
Express
Sunday, July 22nd 2007
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©2007 Trinidad Express. All Rights Reserved.
