The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) says it’s delegation to the Public Services International (PSI) Conference on Racism in Miami consisted of members from its Youth Committee as it believed that they are grappling with racism in the public service. According to a press release from the GPSU, in keeping with its capacity building and institutional strengthening project, the youths were sent to participate in the forum because it recognises their receptiveness, sincerity, flexibility and contributions to the work environment as well as their struggles with racism in the public service. The GPSU said its participation at the conference will boost its core group of skills and competence in conflict resolution and racial and ethnic disharmony and it is grateful to the United States Agency for International Development for its sponsorship.

The delegates, in a paper titled ‘The struggles against racism in our union’ said in an effort to combat racial tendencies, the union amended its constitution to include a Race Relations, Equality and Human Rights Committee which was launched on June 9,1997. It also conducted educational programmes to inform members of their rights and obligations. Also, at the PSI World Congress in September 2002, the GPSU delegates presented a resolution on the issue of race and ethnicity in trade unions which was passed unanimously. The conference was hosted in Ottawa, Canada.