We celebrate our 88th Anniversary under the Theme “Justice for all Public Sector Workers – The Catalyst for Social and Economic Development”. Let us give praise, honour and glory to the Almighty for His many mercies and goodness towards us and for seeing us through to celebrate this 88th Anniversary. We put Him first in all things.
Nelson Mandela said to “help others and give something back, I guarantee you will discover, that while Public Service improves the lives and the world “and even Grenada,” its greatest reward is the enrichment and new meaning it will bring your own life.”
Public Sector Workers, you are the Servants of the citizens of this country Grenada. You provide service that helps to enrich the lives of the people of your country. Public Sector Workers, you engage in a life of servanthood that can be described as a life of giving back to the country that is your heritage and your roots.
It is stated by Martin Luther King that “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”. Therefore, as you serve, you must take pleasure in service and feel empowered to be important citizens that are necessary to the well-being of all citizens of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Without your service our country cannot enjoy the gains that are often boast about and told we have achieved.
Nelson Mandela also said “whether you change the linen or stitch up wounds, cook the food or dispense the medicine, it is your hands to help build a Public Service worthy of all those who gave their lives for the dream of democracy”.
Public Sector Officers, you play a critical and meaningful role in the social and economic development of this country and in the maintenance of a democratic society. Therefore, you deserve to be treated with respect and to be given justice. You should be treated fairly and equitably by the powers that be to provide to you the necessary benefits as a just reward for your services.
The benefits that allow you to perform your responsibilities to the highest standards to sustain the growth and development of this country that allow for quality Public Services. You are responsible for the significant gains that are often boast about by those in high office.
We cannot underscore sufficiently the role and value of your contribution to our country’s development and do not allow anyone or anything, that may be said or done to doubt the valuable contribution that you are making.
As we celebrate, we must specially recognise our members of the T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC), our sisters and brothers who for six (6) years were not paid their increments. Our sisters and brothers who patiently sacrificed for the social and economic development of TAMCC. This Institution is the only Grenadian-owned Tertiary Institution in our nation and why, why, have our political leaders and the Government of Grenada choose to disown our College?
GPWU therefore calls on our Minister for Tertiary Education and the Government of Grenada to honour their responsibility to our noble Institution. Please respect the rights and give justice to the hardworking men and women who provide dedicated service to the educational development of our young adults. Please pay the workers their outstanding increments.
I implore all citizens of Grenada to respect and pray for Public Sector Officers of this country. As you access the many and varying services that the Public Sector provide, pray that the constitutionally enshrined democratic rights and freedom of all public sector workers are upheld.
The great leader Nelson Mandela said “Democracy and Human rights are inseparable. We cannot have one without the other”. Therefore, remember and pray for the Public Officer who is not regularised, the Public Officer who is providing service within challenging health and safety conditions, the Public Officer who is oppressed, victimised and bullied, the Public Officer who is assigned without any duties and responsibilities or portfolio, the Public Officer who has been sexually harassed and the inadequate laws of Grenada do not afford them justice, the Public Officer who is struggling for a just and fair salary increase and whom the laws of Grenada discriminate against and the Public Officer who unlike the political directorate has retired and will retire into poverty without a legal and just Pension and Gratuity.
Pray that Public Sector Officers will be properly recognised for the meaningful and important role played towards the social and economic development of this country. Pray that democratic institutions of the Public Sector will be respected and upheld.
Grenada, the GPWU calls for justice for all public sector workers. Is it not time we receive the respect and honour that we so rightly deserve as the catalyst for social and economic development of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique? Sisters and brothers be patient, have faith and courage, we shall overcome.
Forward ever, backward never, solidarity forever, long live the Grenada Public Workers’ Union.
Congratulations to all members of the GPWU on your 88th Anniversary.
Rachael Roberts
President
PUBLIC WORKERS’ UNION