As Chairman of the Board of the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS), I condemn in the strongest manner possible, the politicisation of bilateral talks between the Authority’s staff and the representing majority union (RMU), the Public Services Association (PSA). 

I am advised that at a meeting between the PSA and staff on Tuesday December 17, 2024 at the National Library Building, PSA’s President, Leroy Baptiste, in advising staff to reject the Chief Personnel Officer’s (CPO) offer, inserted into his presentation, the rationale for rejection being the promise of the United National Congress (UNC), should it be successful in the next General Elections, to reverse the CPO’s offer and replace it with a more attractive option.

This is absolutely improper on a number of levels.  Firstly, the premises of NALIS should not be used by any entity, not least of all a trade union leader, to campaign for a political party or his or her own political career.  Secondly, the Authority has always maintained an apolitical position in its communication to staff.  Thirdly, the PSA’s recognition as the RMU for the staff of the Authority began in September 2016, and therefore it has no locus standi in any interaction between the CPO and the Authority for any prior period. 

As Chairman, I will continue to advocate in the appropriate forum for what I believe to be deserving of the Authority’s staff.  I have complete faith in the NALIS’ Executive to efficiently execute its mandate, and call on the PSA and NALIS’ Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) staff- side representatives to cease and desist from political campaigning on the Authority’s premises.

I have advocated relentlessly for our libraries to remain neutral spaces, to be utilised in the pursuit of excellence and empowerment for all our citizens, and NALIS’ iconic National Library Building in Port of Spain will be no exception.