Today is Labour Day 2021, eighty-four years to the day of the Butler Oilfield Riots which proved to be a watershed in the history of the trade union movement in Trinidad and Tobago. The names Tubal Uriah Butler, Adrian Cola Rienzi and Andrew Arthur Cipriani loom large in national memory as unwavering advocates of fair wages, improved working conditions and job security. They, among many others, are credited for the strength of the present-day labour movement and the advances made to workers’ rights since 1937, however, many of those grievances persist to the present day and additionally must now be viewed through the lens of Covid-19.
The cascading effects of the pandemic on the economy, jobs, income and standard of living have left many workers, employers and business owners deeply concerned about the future. Trade unions now face one of the greatest challenges in their history and must find ways to shepherd their members through these uncertain times. While they continue to advocate for matters traditionally at the forefront of worker’s minds—job security, reliable income and safe working conditions—they must also reinvent their strategies and tactics in order to be relevant in the post-Covid world, and ready themselves to tackle new and unprecedented considerations including the issue of mandatory vaccinations, compliance of workplaces to changing covid-19 regulations and the guidelines governing work from home. Previous adversarial tactics and sticking points have to give way to cooperation and compromise to pave a clear path to the resolution of these evolving labour issues which will continue well past the return to normalcy.
For labour to thrive, employers and staff must join forces to create working conditions that are both robust and responsive to the ever-changing global environment. Employees who are offered the opportunity to work from home will have to learn to self-regulate to meet required targets on time. Those who are in the office expect to be provided with the basic protections, equipment and policies that will safeguard them from the virus, for example, appointment systems, delivery or online services, and the provision of hand sanitisers and masks. Many are ready and willing to be vaccinated in order to return to productive work and I thank those employers who have collaborated in the current vaccination thrust to bring some measure of relief and protection to their workers.
Workers—whether public servant, private sector or self-employed—have ensured throughout this pandemic that the wheels of the national machinery continue to turn. They have borne the brunt of this crisis, many putting their mental and physical health and wellbeing on the line. I salute in particular the frontline workers—healthcare providers, social service workers, members of the national security corps, supermarket and pharmacy workers—many of whom have not broken stride since the onset of the pandemic. Glowing reports of your professionalism, compassion and sterling work ethic have come from all quarters and lifted the collective national spirit.
This year’s celebrations will be muted as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, but the sacrifices of the workers who came before as well as those who steer us forward now, will forever resonate in the hearts of all citizens.
I wish the national community a safe and happy Labour Day.
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Mr. Efthmyios Efthymiades, Ambassador-designate of the Hellenic Republic (Greece) to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, presented his credentials to Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on October 15, 2024 at The President's House. Her Excellency welcomed the Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago and wished him every success in his new post.
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In delivering the feature address at the Sangre Grande Ramleela Committee's 34th Annual Ramleela Celebrations 2024 on Sunday October 13, 2024, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, congratulated the committee on the hosting of the cultural event, and the fact that of the 175 players, 120 were young persons from various schools in the community, Her Excellency expressed, "How lucky we are in this country to be able to have all our citizens, of every religious persuasion, of every class, colour and creed, participate in this truly amazing Festival. Ramleela is a cultural, social and spiritual phenomenon which has enriched Trinidad and Tobago for many years. It is a time when entire communities come together to re-enact the life and times of Sri Ram as chronicled in the Ramayan. It is a wonderful opportunity for young people to become immersed in our religious and cultural traditions, and to have the opportunity to one day carry them forward. It is a time for everyone, the Hindus and non-Hindus alike, to reflect on and identify with many of the themes and moral lessons found throughout the story." #ramleela2024 #SangreGrande #officeofthepresidentt
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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T is with Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association 1914.
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Message from His Excellency Kerwyn Garcia S.C., First Gentleman and Patron of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Associationon White Cane Safety Day 2024—October 15, 2024Today, the nation and the rest of the world commemorate White Cane Safety Day. Observed annually on October 15th, White Cane Safety Day was first proclaimed and celebrated in the United States in 1964 and has since gained recognition worldwide. White Cane Safety Day serves to raise awareness about the use of the white cane as a tool of mobility and a symbol of independence and resilience for the blind and visually-impaired.The origins of the white cane date back to 1921 when James Briggs, a photographer from Bristol, United Kingdom, claimed to have invented it to enhance his visibility to motorists and pedestrians around his home. Throughout the 1930s, the use of white canes by the blind or visually impaired became more widespread in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.In Trinidad and Tobago, as well as around the world, the white cane is used by the blind or visually-impaired as a tool for safe and reliable navigation. The white cane enhances mobility by providing users with tactile feedback about their surroundings, allowing them to detect obstacles, changes in surface texture, and other important information that facilitates safe travel. The white cane also signals to both pedestrians and motorists that the user is blind or visually impaired. It is important to recognize that the white cane is more than a mobility aid - it also embodies independence, resilience and hope. It empowers blind and visually impaired individuals to navigate the world with confidence and certainty. It serves as a reminder that everyone has the right to move through our world with dignity and safety.As patron of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association, I stand in full support of the Association’s efforts to advocate for the rights and dignity of persons who are blind or visually-impaired in Trinidad and Tobago. On this White Cane Safety Day, let us all take the opportunity to recognise and support our fellow citizens as they strive to participate in our society on a full and equal basis. #WhiteCaneSafetyDay #blindwelfareassociation #patronage #officeofthepresidentt
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#mondayinspiration Strength through adversity #ICYMI As we recognize Cancer Month, The Sunday Newsday ran an inspiring story of how Her Excellency Christina Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago found her inner strength in the face of one of the most difficult times in her life. Here is an excerpt from the story by Carol Quash and you can click on the link for full story.TWENTY years ago, President Christine Carla Kangaloo came face to face with her mortality in the form of breast cancer.And although getting rid of the invasive and unwelcome visitor came with a myriad of challenges, it also taught her life lessons she might not have learned otherwise.“It did change my life," she said. "I would say it has strengthened me and made me deeply appreciative of life.“It showed me that there was strength I had that I didn't know I had; it taught me resilience; it taught me to lean on other people,” which can sometimes be difficult for women who are not used to allowing other people to see their susceptibility.
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President Kangaloo: Cancer made me stronger - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
TWENTY years ago, President Christine Carla Kangaloo came face to face with her mortality in the form of breast cancer.
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T updated their cover photo.
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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T's cover photo
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