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Message on Labour Day 2025

Jun 19, 2025

Message on Labour Day 2025

88 years ago, the 1937 Butler Oilfield Riots galvanised the labour movement, upended the prevailing social order, and claimed labour’s rightful place as a vital force in the progress and development of our nation. On Labour Day, we commemorate that pivotal moment in our history and pay tribute to those whose relentless pursuit of fairness and justice for workers helped shape the course of labour relations in Trinidad and Tobago and across the region.

The names Uriah ‘Buzz’ Butler, Adrian Cola Rienzi, Andrew Arthur Cipriani and Albert Maria Gomes continue to resonate in the national memory as the heroes who challenged the status quo of unfair and unjust labour practices and helped usher in a new era of workers’ rights in Trinidad and Tobago. Their struggle was not only for better wages and safer working conditions, but also for justice, dignity and a better future for all. Many of the rights and protections enjoyed today are the hard-won fruits of their efforts and sacrifices.

Although much progress has been made over the last 88 years, many of the challenges that these brave pioneers confronted still persist, albeit in new and complex forms. The road from 1937 to today has been far from straightforward, marked by both successes and setbacks. Our nation has weathered economic recessions, overcome the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and now, must confront the rapid changes brought by technological advances. One such technological advancement is Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI, a powerful and complex tool, appears to be ushering in what is being widely regarded as a veritable new industrial revolution. AI is already reshaping industries, transforming how businesses operate, and redefining the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Like so many things, AI offers both heady possibilities and worrying challenges. On the one hand, AI has the potential to boost productivity, improve workplace safety, reduce human error and create entirely new sectors of employment. Properly managed, it can become a powerful driver of economic growth and development. But on the other hand, the real and valid concerns that AI presents, including fears of job displacement and growing concerns around ethics and data privacy, have also to be acknowledged and proactively addressed.

As Trinidad and Tobago steps into this new world, it is essential that skills development and investment in digital literacy and technical education are prioritised in order to ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to an AI-driven future. The reality is that cooperation and collaboration are no longer optional but are mandatory. I am heartened to see such progress taking place at the national level, with certain stakeholders engaging in constructive dialogue with the State. However, this spirit of partnership must permeate all sectors of the nation. A whole-of-society approach which brings together workers, employers, government and civil society alike is required if our nation is to harness the benefits of AI while protecting and empowering our workers to keep pace with the evolving realities of the world of work.

On Labour Day 2025, let us choose to build upon the foundation laid by the architects of our labour movement and steer Trinidad and Tobago toward the future that they envisioned. Let us place the national interest first and always, and commit to building a society in which we can all prosper and thrive. We must become our own heroes in this struggle. From among our ranks must rise up today’s Butlers, and Rienzis, and Ciprianis and Gomes. We must produce women and men who are able to blend their valour with the foresight and the imagination required to navigate today’s challenges. I have no doubt that in this bold, new endeavour, we will not be found wanting.

I wish the entire national community a safe, blessed and productive Labour Day.

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
#ICYMI On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, delivered the Keynote Address at the International Women’s Forum Trinidad and Tobago’s (IWFTT) 4th Inspirational Women Awards Gala. ♀️🌟In her address, Her Excellency congratulated the honourees on their remarkable achievements, commending their courage and determination in the face of challenges. She also applauded the IWFTT, the local affiliate of the globally recognized International Women’s Forum (IWF), for creating a platform that highlights and celebrates women’s accomplishments.The Office of the President extends warmest congratulations to the awardees:✨ Dr. Catherine Minto-Bain – Inspirational Champion of Women Award✨ Ms. Suzan Lakhan-Baptiste – Inspirational Advocate Award✨ Ms. Maya Kirti Nanan – Inspirational Emerging Leader Award#OfficeofthePresidentTT #trinidadandtobago #InspirationalWomen ... 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
On Friday, September 26, 2025, Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Kerwyn Garcia S.C., First Gentleman, hosted a Republic Day Cocktail Reception at The President's House in appreciation of the various stakeholders who support the work of the Office of the President.In her toast, Her Excellency expressed heartfelt gratitude to the members of the various Commissions, Public Offices, NGOs, Patronages, Agencies and Private Sector Organisations in attendance for their service and partnership.A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the commemorative scroll to members of the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), who were awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) at the National Awards Ceremony on Republic Day.✨ Did you know? Every recipient of a National Award is presented with a medal and an accompanying scroll.📸 🔗See link to full album: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCv#OFFICEOFTHEPRESIDENTi#NationalAwardsw#chaconiamedalM#trinidadandtobagoobago ... 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
Mr. Guillaume Pierre, Ambassador-designate of the French Republic 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 Tuesday September 30, 2025 at The President’s House.The Ambassador was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Emek Pierre and Mr. Franck Josselin, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy.Her Excellency welcomed the Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago and wished him every success in his new post. ... See MoreSee Less

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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 updated their cover photo.

7 days ago

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

7 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
This year, 2025, marked the third consecutive year that Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Kerwyn Garcia SC, First Gentleman have ensured the inclusion of Sixth Form students from schools across Trinidad and Tobago, in the National Awards Ceremony. By reading the biographies of each awardee, the students not only became part of the historic occasion, but also served as a bridge between generations... the future of Trinidad and Tobago saluting the achievements of today. This initiative stems directly from the vision expressed by Her Excellency in her 2023 Inaugural Address, where she spoke of her determination to make The President’s House and the protocols of State more welcoming and accessible—not only to all citizens, but especially to the young people of our nation.🇹🇹🏅💫 We say a special thank you and congratulations to the following students: • Salma Ali of ASJA Girls’ College, San Fernando• Tyreek Alleyne of Scarborough Secondary School• Ciana-Marie Baptiste of Holy Faith Convent, Penal• Nickolas Carrington of Diego Martin Central Secondary School• Dacia Cooper of Rio Claro East Secondary School• Ronaldo Farrell, of Fyzabad Anglican Secondary School• Tariq James of Arima North Secondary School• Danielle Karim of St. Augustine Girls’ High School• Nyvanne Kirk of Speyside High School• Danika Linton of Sixth Form Government School (Polytechnic), St. James• Christiano Mejias of Barrackpore West Secondary School• Serena Patterson of Northeastern College, Sangre Grande• Vaidev Persad of Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College, Caroni• Kelsey-Marie Peters of Carapichaima East Secondary School• Joshua Teesdale of San Fernando Central Secondary School• Nevaeh Walcott of Barataria South Secondary School#NationalAwards2025 #trinidadandtobago #OfficeOfThePresidentTT ... See MoreSee Less

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

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

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