Minister Keith Scott points to detractors in the trade union movement

Feb 01, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
It is indeed most unfortunate that at a time when our nation grapples with the dynamics of the global political economy, that some detractors would spare no effort in promoting their own agenda. It is not unusual for Christian believers to periodically and when the circumstances are most opportune, to reference the book of Ecclesiastes ,chapter 3 , which say “To everything there is a season, and a purpose under the heaven….A time to kill and a time to heal; a time to breakdown, and a time to build up:….A time to keep silence and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate ;a time of war , and a time of peace.”
Surely, there is a time and place for everything and nothing happens unless there is the fullness of time. For a society to advance from one level to the next, it requires of us the ability to recognize when the fullness of time is upon us and to have the courage to seize that moment.
The division in our trade union movement has no doubt stymied our growth and development much to the delight of minority groups, but an opportunity to heal that division has presented itself to us all. It matters not who bears the message of healing. What really matters is that the message is effectively transmitted and acted upon.
A significant challenge which confronts our leaders of current times is the ability to rise above the bitterness and self-interests which influenced the past, much to the distress of all, as well as the need to demonstrate an enlightened commitment to lead to a destiny of genuine trade union unity. This ideal can be achieved once all stakeholders remain sincere in their resolve to witness the triumph of unity and solidarity.
It is not the intent of government to seek any leading or glorified role in organizing and executing a May Day Rally. At the meetings with the Ministry of Social Protection and the unions emphasis was placed on Government’s respect for workers’ rights including their right to chart their own course and that is precisely why they were all engaged individually. Now they are being invited collectively to form a committee comprising of their executives to plan for that great day.
In this year of our 50th anniversary celebrations, at a time when in excess of 26,000 visitors will grace our shores, at a time of a rejuvenated spirit of national unity, Government is prepared to facilitate in a meaningful way, any and all reasonable requests to assist the trade union movement to play its role in unifying both itself and the nation. Our recent meetings with the unions and their umbrella bodies being the TUC and FITUG were essentially ‘a getting to know you’ events, and it was during those discourses that the concept of a unified Labour Day 2016 emerged. At those meetings, all but two unions voiced their readiness to make a success of such an event.
Subsequent letters to all unions requesting them to meet and form an organizing committee to realize this dream clearly demonstrates our role as facilitators. For us, political intervention and interference in the affairs of any independent body or organization is not an option. We shall continue to facilitate and conciliate whenever and wherever invited we are invited to do so.
We are all aware that for a short time we are indeed players on ‘the stage of life’. We are required to play our part and play it well, hence we should use the time allotted to us to make this country, the best it can be. Indeed, the fullness of time has come when our unity as a nation beckons. It would be wise for us to demonstrate that we have heard the call and are prepared, with magnanimous minds, to positively respond and begin to make this country a unified and better nation for all future generations.
A few hours ago, I watch with great admiration the conclusion of a T-20 Unity Cricket match, and was forced to ponder, if we can have a unity cricket match, why not a May Day Unity Rally ?
Keith Scott
Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection

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Minister Keith Scott points to detractors in the trade union movement

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