One of the contenders for the post of Second Vice President in the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) highly anticipated elections has declared he disagrees with the suspension of embattled president Akanni McDowall.
David Denny, who is running on the Vision for the Workers’ Interests Now team led by Fabian Jones who wants to be McDowall’s successor, also said he sees nothing wrong with Wednesday’s court ruling that the elections, which were to be held on Thursday, be postponed while a decision is taken on the incumbent president’s challenge to the suspension which prevented him from participating in the vote.
Denny told Barbados TODAY that the union’s National Council made the wrong decision in suspending McDowall without giving him an opportunity to respond to the charges brought against him.
He said the move by the union’s leadership was against the laws of natural justice and was a form of disrespect for McDowall’s fundamental rights, which include freedom of speech and association.
Denny said: “So, for me, I have no problem with the court’s decision. I have no problem with Akanni going to court. I think that that process would also recognize the importance of all members of the union. We must remember today it is Akanni, but tomorrow it could be me or any other member of the union.
“So, we need to follow the rule of law and recognize the fundamental rights of the Constitution of Barbados. And, by doing that, you are recognizing Akanni as a human being. Anytime you take away the fundamental rights of a human being, you are saying that that person is no longer a human being. We have fought many battles for the abolition of slavery, and because of that I will defend Akanni.”
Denny said that despite the ongoing controversy, his supporters can rest assured that he will continue to participate in the electoral process.
He said he must continue to run for the post, as his mind is set on defending government workers who are experiencing serious challenges.
The candidate, who is contesting the elections on a team that also includes First Vice President contender Daria Cave and Mclita King who is running for the post of Third Vice President, said the NUPW should be focusing its energy on addressing the issues affecting workers.
“We have all kinds of issues that need to be dealt with. So, for me, I am committed to this process. I will not give up because there is a court case. I will not turn back because I am committed to all of the workers,” Denny said.
“I am committed to them and I will do whatever it takes to create the conditions for public officers to benefit from a process that is honest and sincere.”
(anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb)
