Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has paid tribute to generations of workers whose sacrifices helped shape Trinidad and Tobago, while reaffirming Government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and expanding opportunity.
As Trinidad and Tobago prepares to observe Labour Day on Friday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar reflected on the struggles of past generations of workers, noting that many of today’s workplace rights were hard-won.
“Labour Day reminds us that the rights, protections and opportunities enjoyed by workers today were not freely granted. They were earned through struggle, sacrifice and perseverance by ordinary people who refused to accept injustice as their lot.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of unity among workers in shaping the nation’s democratic development and advancing social progress.
“The descendants of Emancipation and Indentureship came to recognise that despite different experiences, they shared the same aspirations: dignity, fairness, opportunity and a better future. That unity challenged injustice, weakened division and helped build a stronger and more democratic Trinidad and Tobago.”
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar paid tribute to labour pioneers and trade unions, acknowledging their ongoing role in defending workers’ rights.
“On this Labour Day, we pay tribute to the pioneers of the labour movement, the trade unions that continue to defend workers and the generations of working people whose labour built this nation. As Prime Minister, I reaffirm that my Government will continue to stand with workers, protect their rights and expand opportunity.”
She emphasised that the same resilience and unity that shaped the country’s past will be essential in building its future.