Dear Editor,
Another Labour Day when the triumphs and travails of the workers are brought to the attention of the nation by way of celebrations and demonstrations is on the horizon.
26th February, 2011 marked the eighth year since our beloved, long serving and altruistic Trade Union Leader, Joseph Henry Pollydore, was called away.
It is time. It is time that the records be prepared to formally recognize this great son of Guyana for his remarkable works, leadership and sacrifices, in the interest of the working class in Guyana, the Caribbean and on the international stage.
Throughout the Caribbean we, as people, have over the years been criticized, indeed rebuked, in the words of the ballad – “Where are your Heroes Caribbean?” for not immortalizing our heroes by means of monuments and/or biographies which pay deserved tribute and thanksgiving for their contributions to the progress and development of our nations.
Small wonder, therefore, that there is such a wanton lack of interest among our youths for leadership roles, as they increasingly seem to ask “what their country can do for them instead of what they can do for the progress and development of their country?”
With inadequate motivation for the young to aspire to leadership roles, as our current crop of aged and aging trade union leaders depart the stage of public service, in life or in death, very few potential youthful successors are in the wings.
The reasons for their indifference are obvious.
They ask the question – why should they sacrifice their youth and energies for the benefit of others when, once the event is passed, those who made the sacrifices and faced the inherent dangers are soon forgotten.
Let us be conscious of the errors of our ways and strive to correct them now. The pride with which we regard our departed heroes will forever serve to remind posterity that they too can make their lives sublime and depart leaving behind them footprints in the sands of time.
I have discussed this dilemma with a number of colleagues viz Mr. Eugene Noel (Journalist) and Mr. Astley Leslie, former Director of the Caribbean Labour College (CLC) Barbados, and we are agreed and determined that a biographical record of Mr. J. H. Pollydore should be written without much more delay.
Furthermore, as this is the United Nations-designated year for people of African descent, the timing is most appropriate.
All organizations (Local, Regional and International) Embassies, High Commissions and Individuals who have recollections and/or records (including photographs) of the work of Mr. J. H. Pollydore and share our determination that his great contributions and sacrifices in the interest of workers should not continue to appear to have been interred with his bones, are therefore, invited to grant interviews, submit written contributions and records as early as possible to:-
Oscar E. Moore
Former Chief Labour Officer and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour
205 De Andrade Street
Newtown Kitty, Greater Georgetown.
Contact Nos: – 226-7628, 683-4145 and 681-8668
Yours faithfully,
Oscar E. Moore
