A group of members of the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union joined ousted Chairman Trevor Benn today, calling for elections to be held for the Credit Union’s board.

Benn was ousted as Chairman last week by the Committee of Management in a no-confidence vote.  He has described the move as illegal, saying that it is not covered in the by-laws of the Credit Union, but the Committee Members have all defended their decision to remove Benn from the post.

A petition has now been launched by members of the Credit Union calling for emergency elections in wake of the move by the Committee of Management. While elections are due, the Committee has not set any date for the elections.

Benn who remains a Member of the Board of the Credit Union although he was removed as Chairman said members of the Credit Union have the power to call for an emergency meeting and elections.

“There is a section in the Act; Regulation 16, of Chapter 8801 which provides for members to call upon the Credit Union to hold an urgent meeting to discuss matters of this nature,” Mr. Benn said.

He pointed out that there is no doubt that the members of the credit union will be on his side since he won the chairmanship by a landslide last year.

“I will be guided by the directions of the members. So far, all I’m doing is basically what they asked me to do. So, we will look at what happens in 14 days, and if there is no reaction from the management committee; I will consult with the members and we will make a decision after.” Benn added.

Benn said he has done nothing wrong, and the committee’s move was not based on anything related to the job.

“I remain committed to the membership of the credit union I want to assure them that I have done absolutely nothing wrong, my main focus in on ensuring that the credit union movement from place to place and that the membership continues to benefit from the services of the credit union.” Mr. Benn additionally noted.

Rights activist and Former Minister under the coalition government, Simona Brooms who was also at the protest said Mr. Benn’s removal was wrong since the board is making a decision for thousands of workers without consulting with those workers in the public service.

“You can’t make the decision 8 and 12 people at a table and tell thousands of people. That is disrespectful to the workers. You call the members and say look we have trouble in the camp, this man or this woman we got some problems and bring your facts and we want you to instruct us on the way forward” Ms. Brooms explained.

The Committee of Management members who voted to remove Benn as Chairman said they were unhappy with Benn’s leadership style.  They have also accused him of running a one-man show at the credit union.

Members of the credit union have been high in praise of Benn’s leadership and the improvements they have seen under his chairmanship of the credit union.

Related posts:

Public Service Credit Union Special Meeting and Elections set for Monday Public Service Credit Union Special Meeting set for October 24; Trevor Benn launches campaign effort High Court orders Public Service Credit Union to call special general meeting and elections by 24th October Controversy erupts at Public Service Credit Union over no-confidence motion against Chairman Trevor Benn