By Chantalé Fletcher
IN showers of blessings, various trade unions, religious bodies along with citizens offered prayers to the heavens, for God’s guidance at Palmiste Park on Saturday.
The Joint Trade Union Movement hosted Day of Prayer and Discussions which attracted other unions and many concerned citizens as they highlighted concerns from outstanding negotiations to corruption at the expense of human lives.
General President of the Oilfield Workers Union (OWTU) and JTUM Ancel Roget opened with a moment of silence to the four divers who recently lost their lives.
Shortly after, religious leaders including Pundit Ravi Ramdeen; Bishop Julien Adams of St Ann’s Spiritual Baptist Church; Iman Imran Nazar Hosein; High Priest King Solomon of Rastafari; Brother Anthony Cuffy of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star shared words of encouragement through prayer and song.
In a common theme, the religious leaders urged citizens to never give up, and strengthen their faith in God because the empire of oppression was shaken and would continue to fall.
Other members gathered were Communication Workers Union (CWU); Trinidad and Tobago Teachers Unified Association (TTUTA); Public Servants Association (PSA); National Trade Union Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (NATUC); Contractors and General Workers Trade Union; Amalgamated Workers Union; National Union of Government & Federated Workers (NUGFW); Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union; and many others united to fight against the continued injustices faced by citizens.
However as the crowds expanded, so did members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), yet that did not stop the proceedings.
General Secretary of Amalgamated Workers Union Cassandra Tommy said the union has outstanding negotiations with the Port of Spain City Corporation, Bermudez Biscuit Company, Belgroves Funeral Home and Royal Castle.
She said, “The CPO (Chief Personnel Officer) was set to present a proposal for City Council, but Bermudez, Belgroves and Royal Castle are significantly offering workers single digits in the lower spectrum.”
Tommy sent a clear message, “We not taking that! That is damn unfair,” and called on members to stand beside their union representatives. General Secretary of NATUC Michael Annisette told people to return to spirituality.
“We have to go back to our mothers and fathers’ ancestors to guide us as we face this struggle.
“This struggle is not easy and as trade unionists, we must be able to dig deep into what is happening in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Anniessete urged citizens to stand up for their rights as he described the Government’s attempt to vaccinate children in order for them to attend school as madness.
He added, “They are telling workers if they don’t take the vaccines, they would not work in the Government service.”
Anniessete warned if so, the Government would have a big fight coming.
