Hackshaw was a hard working man
THE EDITOR: Many people are still unaware that author and former trade unionist John Milton Hackshaw died on November 3 2005 at the age of 84. I and my colleagues wish to commend John for his tireless effort in trying to promote racial unity among our people. During my presentation at the official launching of Mr Hackshaw’s latest book, The History of the Nationalist Struggle for Democracy and National Independence at the Seaman and Waterfront Workers Trade Union Hall on Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain in 2001, I agreed with John who stated in his book that the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) was a unique group which sought to promote inter-religious harmony, solidarity and unity of purpose. He telephoned me on numerous occasions to discuss ways of getting the people of Trinidad and Tobago to accept others and brothers and sisters regardless of race or religion. He detested our political system which encouraged racial division among our citizens. The late Hackshaw said: "Citizens should react strongly against politicians and others who attempt to divide our people along racial lines to suit their own ends." However, he advised them that if they wanted to protest against this sin they must not use violence. The History of the Nationalist Struggle for Democracy and National Independence is a publication about the history of the labour movement struggle for National Independence and Democracy to prevent a "creeping" dictatorship from taking over. The book is a reminder of the history of the working class struggle from 1897 and is in recognition of those past leaders who served in honour and dignity. Hackshaw was a former politician who became disenchanted with politics. Very few will disagree with the statement in his book that humility is not a virtue in many politicians, public officials and trade union leaders. I agree with him that arrogance is a disease that destroys and retards the growth of a nation. Some people believe that they must display arrogance as soon as they are given a little authority. This is a serious problem which had caused dissension and chaos in the workplace and the running of parties and organisations. Some of us fail to heed the scriptural warning: "God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble." Apart from being a former trade unionist, the late Hackshaw was General Manager of the New York Office of the TT Tourist Board. He also worked in the Diplomatic Service as Labour Attache in Canada. HARRACK BALRAMSINGH La Romaine
Comments
"Hackshaw was a hard working man"