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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

5 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
On Tuesday, 8th July 2025, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, received a courtesy visit from two representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) at The President’s House. Ms. Loyce Pace, Regional Director of the Americas for the IFRC and Mr. Ariel Kestens, Head of Delegation, both met with Her Excellency, who serves as Patron of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society.The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society is one of 192 national societies that form the IFRC. The IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, supporting local Red Cross and Red Crescent efforts and acting before, during, and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people worldwide. ... See MoreSee Less

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

5 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
Congratulations to this week's winner, @jack.ofall.trades.28 !🎉 Often hailed as Trinidad and Tobago’s first great painter, Michel-Jean Cazabon (1813–1888) gained international acclaim for his artistic works in the 19th Century. Many of his iconic pieces, which capture the country's landscapes and historic architecture, can be seen throughout the Sitting Room and other spaces in The President’s House.🖼️✨ #OTPTriviaTuesday #officeofthepresidenttt ... See MoreSee Less

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

6 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
On Tuesday, 8th July 2025, Mr. Chrisendath Mahabir was reappointed as a member of the Salaries Review Commission in a ceremony held at The President’s House. Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago presented Mr. Mahabir with his Instrument of Appointment and thanked him for his continued service to Trinidad and Tobago.Mr. Chrisendath Mahabir is an Attorney-at-law who holds experience in a number of other areas including teaching, management consultancy, industrial relations and public sector administration. He has served as Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Health as well as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of the Attorney General, Local Government and Public Utilities.Mr. Mahabir served two terms as a member of the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee as well as on various inter and intra-ministerial committees examining various aspects of the Public Service. ... 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
What is the…? 🤔Think you know the answer to this week’s #OTPTriviaTuesday question? 👀There’s a hint hidden somewhere in these pics! 🕵️‍♀️🔍Head over to our IG page @officeofthepresidentt at 9:00 AM to find out!Don’t miss it! ⏰📲 ... 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
Last week, the Office of the President was pleased to welcome the tiny tots of the Sambrano Learning Academy and students of the Robert Village Hindu Primary School and Vessigny Secondary School for tours of The President’s House and grounds.During their tours, they interacted with members of the military, learned more about the role of the President, and even signed the Visitor’s Book in The Credentials Room of The President’s House. It was a truly inspiring and educational experience for all!📸 Swipe through to see highlights from their memorable visit!Full albums available at tinyurl.com/mvjh2tpu ... See MoreSee Less

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President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Office of the President
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