CATEGORT:ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
--------------------------------------

By Trevor Thwaites
Inside Grenada correspondent
Sunday December 03,2006


ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - All seven presidents to have served the Public Workers’ Union (PWU) with merit since its inception in 1931 - and are still alive - have been hailed for their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the union. This was done during the month-long celebration of the union, which officially ended on Wednesday November 29, 2006.

Fourteen (14) presidents, including George Hosten, FM Coard, Allan Lagrenade and George Belizare, (who are all deceased) have all served the union. The present holder of the post of president is Mrs. Madonna Harford.

The seven, were among scores of members, who were honoured for their sterling contribution to the union during a 75th Anniversary Awards Ceremony at the Grand View Inn last week - on Friday November 24 - in the tourism belt on the south of the island. The occasion was the first of any major significance, since its 70th Anniversary celebrations. Mrs Harford praised the work of the forefathers and all those who have struggled over the years for the rights of workers.

“Such contributions,” she said, “is worthy of monetary contributions, which cannot be possible because of the lack of resources of the union.” Nonetheless, she said that awards ceremony is fitting. “It is only s small token of appreciation and recognition for their work”, Mrs Harford said.

Special awards were bestowed on the seven presidents, who are still alive: Mr Raymond Noel, who served from 1965-1967; Mr. Roy St John, who served for two periods 1967-1972 and 1973-1975; and former Prime Minister, Sir Nicholas Brathwaite, who held the fort in 1973.

There were also special awards for Mr. Robert Robinson, who served from 195-1981; Mr. Basil Harford, who led the union from 1982 to 1988; Mr. Charles Francis, who also served in 1988; and the lone female to has held the mantle for the longest period -14 years, Mrs. Lauret Clarkson.

There were also recognition to outstanding Shop-stewards Oliver Joseph, Michael Grant and Mrs. Meryl Forsyth, who also served as secretary. The ceremony also recognized the services Walter St John, who served as the PWU representative on the Public Service Commission (PSU),
and Lennox Phillip, who was the chairman of the PSU.

Special awards were also bestowed on former PWU representative on the PSC, Alvin St John; Public Relations Officer, Raymond Roberts, who joined the union in the 1960’s; Mrs. Shirley Modeste-Buckmire (secretary); Mrs. Jessica Japal, who was the Nursing Representative; Mr. Peter Joseph, who served as a 1st Vice President/Interim President; and Mrs. Phyllis Hagley,
who was an Office Assistant.

Several activities were organized during the month of November to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Public Works Union.

A touch of national pride and heritage was also very evident during the proceedings as the PWU 75th Anniversary Choir, formed especially for the occasion, moved the audience with some exciting renditions. “Mango” and “Grenada the Island of Spice” were well-appreciated, along with a pulsating interlude from a section of Republic Bank Angel Harps Steel Orchestra. Budding singer, Coreen Mc Burnie, earned a standing ovation from a truly sterling rendition entitled “Yet Still I Rise” by Yolanda Adams.

Several workshops and seminars on various aspects of the job - including work ethics, rules of the service and the expectations of women, men, finance officers and new recruits - have all been staged along with the Gala Awards Ceremony and Quiz Competition, which was concluded on Wednesday November 29.