THE?Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) has recognised former Prime Minister Owen Arthur for his sterling contribution towards the labour movement in the region.
Yesterday, former president of the CCL, Jacqueline Jack, of Trinidad &?Tobago presented Arthur, who once had the lead role in the Caribbean Single Market &?Economy (CSME) with a crystal trophy in the Opposition Leader’s office.
Jack, the first female president of the CCL, said that Arthur had championed the efforts of the organisation with a yearly subvention of $250 000 when it was undergoing severe financial constraints.
“When Arthur was Prime Minister, he came to the rescue of the CCL financialy by giving us a subvention of $250 000 a year and that afforded the organisation to keep our flag flying so we could continue the work of the regional labour movement.
“Arthur was a champion of the labour movement and the integration process of the CSME. He did a lot of work with us and educated us with respect to the importance of the CSME,” she said.
Jack, the first female general secretary of Trinidad’s National Trade Union Centre (NATUC), said the CCL took a decision since 2009 to show its appreciation, but the presentation had been delayed because of the difficulty in finding a suitable time to meet with Arthur last year. (MK)
