Workers from Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) got more than a clap this morning.
They were praised and encouraged by union and Government representatives at an event to recognise their contribution as frontline workers, especially in light of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In leading off the event with the clapping which has become popular in saluting other frontline workers, president of the National Union of Public Workers Akanni McDowall, declared “solidarity forever”, and reassured SSA employees that the NUPW has their backs.
McDowall was speaking at the SSA depot, Wildey, St Michael, where the event was being held as workers returned from their early morning shift.
“The NUPW has always supported the fact that the SSA is an essential service. . . . The country cannot do without you . . . and we will also be here to support you in your daily effort.”
Also speaking briefly at the proceedings this morning were Minister of the Environment Trevor Prescod and public relations officer of the SSA Carl “Alf” Padmore.
Before handing over to Prescod, Padmore lauded the employees.
“Thank you for the outstanding work that you are doing. Don’t mind that when we see posters we do not see our image, but we know that we are essential workers in Barbados.”
Padmore told workers their efforts are appreciated and hence the spectacle of the music and dance.
“We wanted to do ours different and that’s why we brought the drummers here. We have Ruck A Tuk, Isreal Lovell Foundation, The Pan African Group,” he said.
Prescod, in thanking SSA staff for their commitment to the country, said: “I could not stand as minister and allow the Sanitation workers to appear to be transparent. I believe that the Barbadian voices are not as loud as they ought to be in relation to the kind of appreciation that I strongly believe that the Sanitation Department ought to be shown.
Prescod thanked Padmore and other staff members for organising the activities.
The minister said he spoke on behalf of the “voiceless” who he said appreciate the efforts of the Sanitation department.
“There is not a society under the sun that could function without the service of a sanitation department . . . . You have to take up all different types of waste. . . . Sometimes you have to take up things that are hazardous.”
Prescod said the issue of hazardous waste is especially critical in light of COVID-19, noting that the ministry had to move quickly to make necessary transitions to safeguard workers.
The minister expressed empathy and said he would be available to hear any workers’ concerns. (KG)
