With elections just days away, tensions within the Saint Lucia Civil Service Association are intensifying, as outgoing executive members step forward to defend their records and contest leadership positions while raising concerns over governance and transparency.
The poll, scheduled for April 29, comes against the backdrop of internal disagreements over decision-making processes and the management of union affairs.
Current Treasurer Gezeille Warrington pointed to divisions within the executive, particularly regarding the handling of recommendations.
“They presented their successful recommended candidates to the executive. The executive is made up of seven persons, five voted for the recommendations,” she explained.
“We, on the union, as members of the executive, have only one vote.”
Warrington also alleged delays in convening meetings, suggesting that this hindered the smooth functioning of the organization.
“According to the constitution, the president is the one who calls the meeting and there was a deliberate attempt to prolong stall meetings,” she said.
Addressing concerns over financial transparency, she insisted that safeguards are already in place.
“We are speaking about open the books, open the books, we want to know where our money is spent,” Warrington stated. “All monies except maybe 5 per cent which comes into the union, come directly through our bank account, through the Treasury and our different statutory boards.”
She added that strict controls govern expenditure. “All monies to be removed or spent by the union needs three signatories, the President, the Treasurer and the Trustee,” she said.
Meanwhile, fellow executive member Ryan Hilaire emphasized the need for unity and a renewed approach to leadership, noting that collaboration has been lacking.
“We decided to pool our resources together. It is going to make the work a little lighter,” he explained. “So, we were never a team, we never came together like we saw very early.”
Hilaire also addressed the emergence of organized slates within the election race.
“One team presented themselves as a team, claiming that they have the answers, they know the way forward,” he said. “But I could assure you that the persons that I am working with, like-minded persons with ideas to move the CSA forward, are prepared and ready to lead the union.”
As campaigning intensifies, the upcoming election is shaping into a critical moment for the association, with members set to determine not only its leadership but its direction on key issues of governance, accountability and unity.