Blue CAPS appoints new Chair, Deputy Chair; Urling remains ordinary member

Last Updated on Wednesday, 4 March 2015, 11:47 by GxMedia

The non-governmental pressure organisation- Blue C.A.P.S.-Wednesday morning announced the appointment Michael Leonard as its new Chairman, following the resignation of its Founding Chairman, Clinton Urling.

Leonard was previously Vice Chairman.

Urling, who resigned on March 2, told Demerara Waves Online News Wednesday morning that he was was now a regular member of the organisation but “he was no longer on the executive.” He said that he would likely enter politics after seeing the campaign promises for the contestants and analysing the track record of the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) administration.

The decision to elevate Leonard and appoint a ninth Director to serve until the next Annual General Meeting was made by Directors at a Special Board Meeting on Tuesday March 3, 2015.

Incorporating Director, Alfonso De Armas was elected as the new Vice-Chair and Adrian Inniss was appointed as the ninth Director. “Michael and Alfonso have played invaluable roles at the organisation since joining our ranks in 2014,” said Marissa Lowden, Secretary, Blue C.A.P.S. “Their leadership and passion are essential assets to Blue C.A.P.S., and we’re thrilled that they’re stepping into these new leadership roles.”

New Chair, Michael Leonard said, “I would like to thank Clinton for having the courage and foresight to form the organisation and I am grateful for the trust and confidence that has been bestowed in me by my fellow board members. I am committed to working to achieve the objectives of the organisation – to ensure the voices of young people in Guyana are heard and respected on the national level,” said Michael.

“Clinton has made invaluable contributions to Blue C.A.P.S.  and to the country during his tenure as Chairman of Blue C.A.P.S.,” said de Armas. “He brought fresh ideas grounded in his vast leadership experience and his passion for youth. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Blue C.A.P.S. says it remains committed to providing a platform for young Guyanese citizens to leverage the opportunities available for developing their own roles in helping to shape and articulate public policy and finding solutions for problems affecting their communities and country.

The social-change organization is lead by a nine-member Board of Directors. In addition to Michael Leonard, Alfonso De Armas, Marissa Lowden and Adrian Inniss, the other directors are Dr. Melissa Varswyk, Jo-Ann Thompson, Joel Simpson, Chontelle Sewett and Stefan Singh.