Cuffie: Memory of labour leaders must be preserved

In addition to the well known names, he listed personalities such as George Weekes, Basdeo Panday, Clothil Walcott, and Selwyn John, who, he said, had made sterling contributions to the growth and development of the movement, and said their memories must be similarly preserved.

Cuffie said while all celebrations of Labour Day are important, this one, marking the 80th anniversary of the labour riots of 1937 which gave birth to the movement, requires even greater need for pause and reflection on the tremendous contribution made by the trade union movement on behalf of its members.

He said the movement remains a strong and vibrant contributor to the national dialogue, and its members can be found across all strata of society, continuing the rich tradition of service to the national community.

The Government was committed to working closely with the trade union movement, he said, to ensure that the rights of workers and their representatives were always respected, and that the gains won over the years were not callously eroded.

Cuffie said his ministry had tried to make sure public officers were provided with the most modern accommodation possible through the opening of the Government Plaza, and when fully occupied, these buildings, together with the new Ministry of Education Tower on St Vincent Street and the occupation of One Alexandra Place in St Clair, would have provided superior accommodation for more than 4,000 public servants.