Greetings in the name of our Risen Lord on this Labour Day 2013.
The right hand of God is writing in our land, writing with power and with love our conflicts and our fears, our triumphs and our tears are recorded by the right hand of God. The right hand of God is planting in our land, planting seeds of freedom, hope and love, In these Caribbean lands, let his people all join hands, and be one with the right hand of God.
In this global environment in which we operate employees and employers are admonished to be governed by the Golden Rule ‘ Do unto others as you would have them do to you’. If ever you are instructed to participate in activities or carry out instructions which could impact negatively on your integrity, the island of Anguilla or wherever you may be ,seek wisdom and guidance from the Almighty God. Psalm 25:20 speaks about integrity and Psalm 19:7 speaks about wisdom to the innocent.
Labour Day is a fitting time to reflect on the gains we have made by our predecessors and present leaders. As we look towards the celebration of the 46th year of the Anguilla Revolution under the Theme’ Past, Present and Future Must Mix Anguilla Day at forty-six. ‘ Let us not get weary in well doing and continue to actively support our Unions. We salute the Anguilla Teachers’ Union which was in existence over fifty ( 50) years, the Anguilla Nurses’ Association with forty-one ( 41) years, the Police Welfare Association with forty-one (41) years and the Anguilla Civil Service Association with forty (40) years.
Reference must be made to the Hotel and Allied Workers Union which was established eighteen (18) years ago with assistance from the International Labour Organization ( ILO) stalwart , retired Mr George De Peana and the existing Unions for the betterment of hotel workers. These workers are subjected to so many ills in their working environments. Terms and conditions of work – wages, no minimum wage, standing long hours during the work day, transport, lack of occupational safety and health education.
Let us all be proactive. The politicians, Labour Department, church and service organizations are not a workers’ Union. You the workers in the various hotels must show an interest and help will be given to re-activate your Union. Own your Union and be a part of it. Personally, I will continue to pay my Union dues to the Anguilla Civil Service Association (ACSA) and remain a member until I die because of the benefits derived for which the Anguilla community was the main beneficiary.
Today, it pains my heart when I reflect on the sacrifices and struggles we have been through to keep Labour Day and our Unions alive. Sadly, we have watered down Labour Day to Fun Day. Through it all it is better to have workers having fun instead of protesting about something like they do in some countries. However, provision must be made for Labour Education and not just fun. When it came to issues regarding national sustainable development the Union views were not always taken. For instance, issues surrounding the water situation. Water is still a basic need. Reference could be made to the stoppage of the use of well water and the removal of the standpipes in the villages. Advising members of the public to construct homes without cisterns because of the cost of building cisterns thereby resorting to black tanks. Fear and workplace violence must cease.
Therefore, instead of arguing over situations or incidents which could have been avoided or minimized let us resort to more prayers and ask God for wisdom and spiritual guidance as we go forth.
Ursil Webster Brooks – First Woman President of the Anguilla Civil Service Association (ACSA) 1987 – 1991/longest serving member of the Executive 1985 – 1996
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
