PSA Trinidad & Tobago

The 19th day of November, 2008, we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the existence of the Public Services Association (PSA).  We celebrated this occasion, confident that this working class institution has etched for itself an indelible mark in the annals of Trinidad and Tobago and in the lives of its membership. We have a rather rich and colourful history, having fought countless battles and created along the way edifices that lend testimony to the courage and resilience of those who have had the honour and privilege of leading this noble Organisation.  They have served with distinction and we honour their defining contributions.

Here are some of our very memorable events:

1938
Formation of the Civil Service Association and election of
its first President, John Lyon Smith

1939   
The Civil Service Association registered as a Trade Union
and was granted recognition to represent Civil Servants

1954  
Successfully agitated for re-grading of Civil Servants

1956  
Construction of our Recreation and Cultural Centre at Long
CircularRoad, St. James

1961   
Amendment of the Association’s Rules permitting membership
And representation of all monthly-paid Government employees

1961
First massive protest demonstration by Civil Servants

Oct 31 1962    
Representation by the Association resulted in the creation of an independent Public Service Commission and an Arbitration Agreement established for the Civil Service.

1963
Acquisition of property at #89 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain.

1965   
Unrelenting agitation by the Association culminated in the passing of the Civil Service Act 329 of 1965, the establishment of the Civil Service Special Tribunal (and the consequential abolishment of the 1962 arbitration Agreement).

1966
Formation of the Civil Service Association Credit Union

1970   
Mrs. Ursula Gittens was elected as the first female (non-executive) President of the Association

1971   
The Association changed its name from the Civil Service Association to the Public Services Association

1976   
Representation by the Association culminated in the creation of
the Public Service Appeal Board

1981
The Association amended its Rules to broaden democratic participation of its affairs by affording each member the right to vote and elect the Association’s Executive.  James Isaac Alexander Manswell was the first President elected unopposed under the new Rules.

1987   
The Public Services Association secured the historic declaration that the State illegally and improperly deprived Public Officers of their property i.e. their Increments via High Court Action #3015 of 1987.  Over $500 million dollars in Increment owed to Public Officers were paid in 2002

1997   
Mrs. Jennifer Baptiste-Primus became the first female Executive to present President of the PSA



Long Live the PSA