By Prior Beharry
ON Labour Day, Charlie King Junction in Fyzabad is usually filled with members of the labour movement.
This Saturday, Labour Day, a public holiday, it was empty as a curfew was in effect.
They march from Avocat Junction to the place, formerly called Bhola Junction, where the movement for the struggle for workers’ rights began on June 19, 1937.
Here Corporal Charlie King was burnt to death when he attempted to arrest Chief Servant Uriah “Buzz” Butler who was addressing a large gathering in the struggle for better conditions and rights for employees. There were warrants out for his arrest for sedition.
And so began a movement that sought to protect the rights of workers in Trinidad and Tobago.
Over the years, there were large gatherings and traditions such as the laying of a wreath at Butler’s grave site after his death in 1977 and a marathon.
This year, just like last year there were no function due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Charlie King Junction was empty as a curfew is in place from 10am on Saturday to 5am on Sunday.
