GREAT BAY--The Workers Institute for Organized Labour Association, WIFOL, elected Joanice David Richardson as its new President on Thursday, September 17, during a well-attended Congress that also elected Elton Jones and Ashma Berkel as members of the new Board.
The newly elected Board will determine among itself who will serve as Secretary and Treasurer, in keeping with the Constitution of WIFOL. The Congress marked a significant leadership transition for the organization following months of internal disputes over governance, elections, financial accountability and the future direction of the union.
Congress Chairman and WIFOL co-founder René Richardson described the turnout as strong and said members participated in the election process to determine the union’s new leadership. Minutes of the Congress and a formal resolution for submission to the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry are now being prepared.
Once the necessary documentation is completed, the new Board is expected to be formally registered with the Chamber of Commerce, after which the relevant financial institutions and other entities will be notified of the leadership change.
Joanice Richardson becomes the third President in WIFOL’s history following its reactivation in 1977. René Richardson served as President from 1977 until 1983, followed by Theophilus Emanuel Thompson, who has led the organization since 1983.
Thursday’s Congress follows several months of public disagreement over the administration of WIFOL. In May, Richardson filed a criminal complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office on behalf of concerned members, raising questions regarding the union’s finances, assets, governance and accountability. Members subsequently moved toward organizing a Congress and electing new leadership after their request for a Special General Meeting was not acted upon.
According to René Richardson, Thompson attended Thursday’s Congress but did not present financial statements or an activities report despite being called upon several times during the meeting to do so. Richardson said Thompson was also given the opportunity to participate in the voting process but chose not to cast a vote.
Richardson told the Congress that the outstanding financial accountability matters would continue to be pursued through the appropriate authorities. He maintained that the outgoing leadership remains responsible for providing a full account of WIFOL’s finances and activities.
Thompson has previously rejected allegations made against his leadership. In August, he described the accusations against him as false, said WIFOL was undergoing restructuring and indicated that a Congress was being planned for October.
Thursday’s Congress, however, proceeded with the election of new leadership, with members selecting Joanice Richardson as President and Elton Jones and Ashma Berkel as Board Members.
The incoming Board is expected to begin the administrative transition once the Congress minutes, Chamber resolution and registration process have been completed.
