Cova throws hat in crowded PSA ring

GREGORY Cova, second vice president of the Public Services Association (PSA), and his Premium Value Team slate will challenge Watson Duke and at least four other slates at the November 23 election.

Cova predicted a fierce campaign during his campaign launch at WASA Sports & Cultural Club, St Joseph, on Wednesday.

He told members, "It is time (for PSA members) to be as smart as a serpent and as harmless as a dove."

However, he added that time for antagonistic leadership is over, and that his slate will "begin to repair and refurbish the lives of public officers in TT."

Cova's prospective executive includes, Ainsley Williams (first vice president); Harve Williams (second vice president); David Greaves (second vice president); Curlene Marcelle-Mars (general secretary); Phianna Seerattan (treasurer); trustees Kegan McGuire and Veronica Corbin; and industrial relations officers (IRO) Kevin Green, Jason Sandy, Ingrid Reid, Karelle Antoine and Keegan Toyloy.

"No one can point a finger and say anything about them. They honest. (They have) integrity," he said of his candidates.

"(We) have accepted the burden of leadership because we understand that the PSA was created to represent, protect and promote the interests and welfare of all our members."

Cova said members of this slate were chosen primarily because of their commitment to hard work, their passion for representation, and their "perfection is seeking to deliver service excellence."

The campaign will focus on three areas: service, representation and entrepreneurship.

On entrepreneurship, he said public servants have been "relegated to being marginally poor."

"We are committed to creating and developing the wealth of the association and our membership; to introduce to them the mindset of service delivery, performance in the business world, and create the environment for all to develop and be comfortable."

Cova and sitting first vice president Ian Murray recently announced their withdrawal from Duke's team, before separately revealing their candidacy.

Last month, Duke referred to Murray as a "Judas," following the social media announcement of his withdrawal of support for Duke's third term, which he then followed up with the announcement of his own Labour Warriors election campaign.

And, later last month, Duke – now seeking a third term – threatened to sue Murray for defamation, following his alleged posting of a series of social media comments earlier in the month.

There are other contenders in Team Sentinel, led by industrial officer Nixon Callender, who is a former PSA general secretary, and Oral Saunders's United Public Officers.

Cova said he spent hours with his opposing slates and was asked to run with several but decided against it, owing to his recent experience as second vice president.

Over 14,000 public servants are eligible to vote.