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Godwin Sutherland, Sr. discusses Senior Moments of August 18

LettersGodwin Sutherland, Sr. discusses Senior Moments of August 18
18th August 2010
Dear Editor,
           
Kindly allow me the opportunity to record my appreciation and view of KREM TV Senior Moments: August 18, 2010 hosted by Chairman Evan X Hyde and featuring guest Mr. Nicholas Pollard, Jr. This show to my mind is singularly the most spectacular, historic and powerful educational presentation on the role of Trade Union: Leader Emeritus/Extraordinaire, Mr. Nicholas Pollard, Sr.
           
All need to be reminded of the journey of Belize and the individuals who have played their roles on that journey. I am reminded of the father of the trade union movement in Belize, Antonio Soberanis, and his pioneering work and nationalist perspective. The interaction was particularly great as Mr. Pollard, Jr. and your relevance can never be understated, having lived through these experiences and having contributed significantly. This made the exchange rich and brought out the history, both researched and oral. The presentation was authentic, factual and contributed to greater understanding.
           
Mr. Pollard, Jr. recounts his reaction to Fr. Jack White, S.J. He was 12 years at that time. It was instructive that this particular priest was so overtly political and this account does help to paint a picture of the environment of the 1940’s, 50’s, 60’s and beyond. The show chronicled the history of the trade union movement in Belize and contextualizing it so brilliantly in terms of the times and the mired interplay by entities, both local and foreign, who had an interest in determining the outcome and direction of Belize for their own enlightened self-interest. 
           
These accounts of foundation union leaders are indeed instructive and are truly a remarkable legacy, one that arguably dwarfs the role and operations of the present trade union movement. These were historic account of brave Belizeans, who in the main were bold and not afraid, very determined to stand where they see it. 
           
I lament the inertia of the union movement today; they wait, ever waiting for leadership on major social issues of our time to be answered by politicians. The livelihoods of Belizean will be enhanced only when unions take their rightful place as full partners in development. This program reminds of history. The NTUCB should lead in times such as these, helping to set the development agenda and fighting to ensure that workers’ wellbeing are safeguarded. They should engage more fully in the process of uplifting our people and in securing our future by mobilizing forces against crime and violence on our streets.
   
Please allow me in closing to also suggest that the defining silence of the NTUCB and other unions on demanding that the GOB properly addresses the shooting death of a cane farmer, during protest action in Orange Walk does no good for the credibility of the movement. What about solidarity forever?
           
I eagerly await the successive parts of the show. Alongside the role played by both Catholic and Anglican Church leaders, of which Mr. Pollard Jr. briefly spoke, was there not an important contribution made by the Lodge movement in Belize?
 
Respect,
Godwin Sutherland, Sr.

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