Guyana’s labour movement is celebrating a landmark achievement following the appointment of Kimberly Porter, President of the Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU), as President of the Caribbean Public Service Association (CPSA)—a milestone the Union says reflects her steadfast commitment to public-service workers and positions Guyana at the forefront of regional labour leadership.
Porter officially assumed office on July 24, 2026, in Grenada, becoming the regional voice for public-service workers across the Caribbean at a time when trade unions are confronting rapidly evolving workplace, economic and social challenges.
In announcing the achievement, the GLGOU extended its congratulations and expressed confidence in Porter’s ability to lead the regional organisation.
“GLGOU extends its warmest congratulations to President Porter and expresses confidence in her ability to serve the region with integrity, courage, fairness and a deep commitment to public-service workers,” the Union stated.
Porter brings to the regional office years of experience advocating for workers’ rights, having consistently championed dignity in the workplace, meaningful collective bargaining, fair wages, improved working conditions and stronger representation for employees in Guyana’s local government sector.
As President of the GLGOU, she leads a union representing fixed monthly employees from Grades GS2 to GS16 employed by the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown. Her election to the CPSA presidency now places a Guyanese trade unionist at the helm of the Caribbean’s premier public-sector labour organisation.
The Caribbean Public Service Association brings together public-sector unions from across the region to promote workers’ rights, strengthen labour solidarity and advance policies that improve the lives of public servants.
The GLGOU believes Porter’s appointment represents not only a personal achievement but also recognition of Guyana’s growing contribution to the regional trade union movement.
That recognition will continue next year when Guyana hosts the Caribbean Public Service Association Conference in July 2027, welcoming delegates, affiliates, observers and labour leaders from across the Caribbean.
The conference is expected to provide an important forum for public-service organizations to strengthen regional solidarity, exchange practical solutions, develop leadership and address the changing challenges confronting workers throughout the Caribbean.
As the host affiliate, the GLGOU has committed to organizing “a professional, inclusive and memorable conference that reflects the warmth, culture and hospitality of Guyana.”
To ensure the event’s success, the Union has invited support from the Government of Guyana, the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown, the private sector, the trade union movement, civil society organizations, regional and international partners, and the wider Guyanese community.
According to the GLGOU, support—whether financial, logistical, technical, promotional or in-kind—will help welcome delegates, coordinate transportation and accommodation, secure suitable conference facilities, showcase Guyana’s rich culture and ensure the conference delivers lasting value for public-service workers throughout the Caribbean.
The Union said it views Porter’s assumption of the CPSA presidency and Guyana’s hosting of the 2027 conference as an opportunity “to deepen regional unity and place the concerns, rights and aspirations of workers at the center of the Caribbean development agenda.”
Porter’s rise to the presidency of the CPSA stands as an inspiration to trade unionists across Guyana and the wider Caribbean, demonstrating that principled leadership, unwavering advocacy and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of working people can earn regional recognition and influence.
As preparations begin for the 2027 conference, the GLGOU says it looks forward to working alongside its members, sister unions and partners across the Caribbean to ensure the gathering strengthens regional solidarity, advances the interests of public-service workers and leaves a lasting legacy for the Caribbean labour movement.
