OWTU fights with pride, integrity

THE EDITOR: I wish to thank you for opening the way for interested persons to use your newspaper to write on various topics in society. Using your newspapers, I pray for you to permit me to publicly congratulate one of our top trade unions in this twin island state of Trinidad and Tobago on the excellent work that it has been doing over the years. Recently, I was very fortunate to have attended the 66th Annual Conference of Delegates of the Oilfields Workers Trade Union and there I was able to obtain first hand information on the great successes of this organisation, which is ably headed by comrade Errol Mc Leod — a truly great leader.

What was most heartening is the tremendous increase in membership of 1,000 members in just one year, and the significant increase in the union’s surplus in excess of $2 millon. As a result, the total asset based increased to $24.4 million dollars. This performance is indeed worthy of commendation and I believe that the OWTU should consider working together with other small and developing organisations to provide guidance in business strategy to help them to develop as rapidly as they are. There has to be some secret or special leadership qualities within the group.

Many of us would know Mc Leod as a strong and outspoken leader who has no friends when it comes to open and frank speaking. This must have filtered down to other members of his Rebel Team as they have just begun another three-year term in office as from September 6, 2005. What is most astonishing about this particular term, is the fact that in today’s world, where there is so much competition, hate and destruction, despite who you are, that the Rebel Team, which is led by Mc Leod was elected unopposed for another three years. Of course, this means that there was no group who felt that they were worthy enough to challenge the Rebels. If this is not a case that is worthy of commendation — then what is?

In my honest view, I believe that the OWTU is a force to reckon with and one of their principles is to fight with pride and integrity for the survival of the working class. They do this at the Central Executive and from my understanding at the local branches. In this regard, I congratulate Mr Lawrence Renaud of the TCL Local Branch who has also been elected unopposed as president of the branch. Go brave Renaud. God is with you. In closing, I once again congratulate Mc Leod and his Rebel Team and I ask of you to do one thing — trust in God, continue to walk the right path and he will continue to take you through many more years as leaders, unopposed of course.

DIANNE JOSEPH
Williamsville