June 19, 2016: The Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley’s speech on the occasion of Labour Day 2016:
“Labour Day in Trinidad and Tobago is a very significant day on the national calendar. It is the day set aside for all of us to focus on the labour movement and the role it plays in developing the workforce and by extension the nation.
It is often said that our most precious resource is our people and when it comes to the conduct of business, the truth of this statement is rather evident. The dedication of our labour leaders, past and present, has contributed in no small part to the growth and development of Trinidad and Tobago, and we fully expect that all sectors of society, Government, private sector, civil society and labour, will continue to work together to better our circumstances in the future.
The Government is fully cognizant of the important role played by the labour movement through its representation of the interests of workers. Moreover, we exist in an environment where all of us, Government, Civil Society, Private Sector and Labour are inextricably linked and dependent on one another for survival and our success. Recognition of this, is a major breakthrough in helping us navigate our present circumstance and improve the lives of our citizens.
Though doing this will by no means be easy, I am reminded of the words of the Black Stalin, “we can make it if we try”. This, in essence, was the message of Tubal Uriah ‘Buzz’ Butler, Adrian Cola Rienzi, Arthur Andrew Cipriani and many other labour leaders throughout our history. They set about to positively impact on existing circumstances and as a result impacted upon our nation.
Indeed, much of what we take for granted today would not have been possible were it not for the labour movement. As such, on behalf of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago I extend wishes for a safe and happy Labour Day 2016 and look forward to continued collaboration with labour and all other sectors of society towards doing what it takes to improve the lives of all our citizens and secure a better future for Trinidad and Tobago.”
Dr Keith Rowley
Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
