No apology over Jew remark – Bajan unionist

Barbados Workers’ Union general secretary Senator Sir Roy Trotman reiterated on the floor of Parliament yesterday that he would not apologize now or in the future over his reference to an employer as an “Egyptian Jew”.

Speaking during yesterday’s pre-lunch Senate sitting, the Independent senator said his controversial remarks on May 1 were based on his concern for discrimination against Barbadian workers who were getting Bds$800 a month from Diamonds International while others who could hardly speak or write English were making over Bds$2 000 for the same period.

“I want to make it clear to everyone in this House that no apology was required, none was made, none will be made by me now or at any time. And anyone who has further concerns is free to continue to write in the Press,” said Sir Roy, adding that as far as he was concerned the matter was over.

Saying he had lost the love of some people as a result of his May Day comment, Sir Roy said while many in Barbados understood the need to protect  employees’ rights, they preferred not to deal with the bigger issue because of short term objectives.