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Message on Labour Day 2024

Jun 19, 2024

Message on Labour Day 2024

On June 19, 1937, the police tried to arrest Tubal Uriah Butler while he was making a speech to workers at Fyzabad. His followers resisted his arrest, and riots broke out. The underlying causes of the riots were unfair and unjust labour practices. The unrest which they caused was the impetus for the formation of the trade union movement and the improvement of labour relations in the years to come.

On Labour Day, we commemorate the struggles which have led to better and fairer working conditions for all. We pay tribute to the courageous men and women whose sacrifices made possible the rights and freedoms enjoyed by workers today. We recognise the long and the arduous battles to secure fair pay and decent working conditions, and we acknowledge the progress that has been made in that regard.

We also acknowledge, however, that although the labour landscape is much improved since 1937, much more remains to be done. We have much further to travel if we are to arrive at our goal of a brighter, more equitable future in the world of work.

For trade unions and similar bodies, who continue the work set in motion by Butler and his contemporaries, there is the need to contend with ever-evolving labour practices and new challenges to their traditional methods of operation. Automation, technological advancements, the Covid-19 pandemic, and Artificial Intelligence, among other developments, compel unions to rethink their approaches and to adapt, in order to ensure that they continue effectively to contribute in a constantly changing labour environment.

For employers, the task is no less challenging. They must also do their part. Employers must understand that true progress lies not in drawing bright, dividing lines between themselves and workers (and the organizations that represent workers). Rather, true progress lies in recognizing that employees and their representatives are partners on the same journey to better and more efficiently run businesses. Employers must recognize that safe, responsive and fair working conditions and environments increase productivity, which in turn redounds to the benefit of both partners in the employment relationship.

Even while we call on labour and employers to collaborate more closely, the wider society, too, has a role to play. That role is to establish the broader conditions to promote such collaboration. What this means is that each of us, in our interactions with one another, need to be more flexible, more tolerant, more open to new ways of seeing and doing things, and more accepting of our different perspectives. We cannot demand of labour and employers, that which we do not practise ourselves.

Let us therefore commit as a society, to becoming more understanding and accommodating of one another. Let us commit to building the broader environment that will cause labour and employers to collaborate even more effectively, and that will cause our nation to thrive. If we apply ourselves, we can and we will be successful in navigating the challenges that face us. We will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.

I extend sincere wishes to the nation for a safe, productive and peaceful Labour Day.

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
Today, Thursday May 22, 2025, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, presided over the Swearing in Ceremony for new Government Ministers.Senator Darrell Allahar has been appointed Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Senator David Nakhid has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs.Her Excellency congratulated both Senators on their appointments. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

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Winners of the DATT National Diabetes School Quiz Meet the First GentlemanAarya Devi Kimraj of Dayanand Memorial School, Saarah Dalchand of St. Joseph TML Primary School, and Veer O'Donoghue of San Fernando TML Primary School—1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners respectively in the 2025 National Primary School Diabetes Quiz accompanied by their mothers —had the honour of meeting His Excellency Kerwyn Garcia SC, First Gentleman of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Patron of Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago (DATT)The competition, hosted by the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago (DATT), engaged students from over 200 primary schools nationwide, aiming to raise awareness about diabetes and promote healthy lifestyles from an early age.During their visit, the students proudly displayed their trophies and shared insights they gained while preparing for the quiz, impressing His Excellency with their understanding of diabetes prevention and management. They also spoke about their interest in science and their future career goals.His Excellency encouraged the young scholars to remain dedicated to their education, stressing the importance of focus and sacrifice. They also enjoyed a brief, informative session about the role of the Presidency.Also pictured:👨‍⚕️ Dr. Andrew Dhanoo, President of DATT👩‍💼 Ms. Shoba Dookharan, First Vice President👩‍🎓 Ms. Alicia Ramdass, DATT Youth Coordinator📢 Ms. Aimee Sampath, DATT Marketing OfficerHis Excellency commended Dr. Dhanoo and the DATT for their exceptional efforts in public health education and reaffirmed his commitment as patron and advocate for diabetes awareness in Trinidad and Tobago.Photo Album : shorturl.at/9H#Datt##diabetesawarenessene#PrimarySchoolQuizl#trinidadandtobagoo#firstgentlemanttm#officeofthepresidenttdentt ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago Pays Courtesy Call to Her ExcellencyOn May 20, 2025, the newly elected Board of Directors (2025–2027) of the Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.The new board includes:🔹 Dr. Liane Conyette-Bowen – President🔹 Ms. Esuyemi Ogunbanke – Vice President🔹 Ms. Debra Lewis – Secretary🔹 Ms. Natasha V. Mark Clouden – Treasurer🔹 Mr. Robert Johnson-Attin – Public Relations OfficerAs Patron of the Association, Her Excellency received updates on current initiatives, discussed the support needed to further the Association’s mission. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for a more holistic national approach to Alzheimer's care, including improving education, reducing stigma, and strengthening family support systems.The Association continues its impactful work through active support groups and educational outreach, particularly via social media.Her Excellency congratulated the new Board and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the Association’s efforts to raise national awareness and promote education on Alzheimer’s disease.#AlzheimersAwareness #AlzheimersAssociationTT #SupportAndEducation #patronage #volunteerism❤️ #officeofthepresidentt ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
Courtesy Call by The Girl Guides Association of Trinidad and TobagoOn Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed a courtesy call from The Girl Guides Association of Trinidad and Tobago.Her Excellency met with the newly elected President, Ms. Tanya Western, Vice President, Ms. Stephanie Balchan as well as Chief Commissioner, Ms. Debra East, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Ms. Claudette Governor, and Property Chairman, Mr. Gregory C. Bourne.As patron of the Association, Her Excellency expressed a continued interest in their programmes and initiatives. During the meeting, the Executive shared their plans to deepen collaboration between the Association, NGOs, and Government, with a renewed emphasis on volunteerism and service.Her Excellency congratulated the new executive team and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the work of the Association.#Ggatt #service #volunteerism❤️ #patronage #OFFICEOFTHEPRESIDENTClick for full photo album: shorturl.at/5Pc3m ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

1 week ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
The Office of the President welcomed another lively visit from the students of the Arima Girls' RC School this week. The young ladies had a wonderful time exploring and learning all about The President's House and grounds. Their smiles say it all! Check out the highlights in the photos below!👉 See the full album here: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCf1wf ... See MoreSee Less

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President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Office of the President
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St Ann’s
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Telephone: (868) 225-4687
Email: otp.mail@otp.gov.tt

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