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>PHILIPSBURG:--- I would take to take this opportunity to wish all the workers on St. Maarten and workers in general a Happy Labour Day. Workers all deserve recognition for their input and hard work on a day to day basis, building the future for them and for their children through decent work and the possibilities for them to enjoy and inherit the fruits of their labor.
As President for the second time of the WICLU I feel honored to have been able to select three persons, who have served the workers' organizations wholeheartedly and unselfishly. It goes with the saying: "Give me my flowers while I am living" and therefore it is unfortunate that our beloved national Hero Miss Patricia Pantophlet passed away, before receiving this Honor as the trade unionst who have made an impact. Her tireless fight in defending the rights of the workers and speaking out for social justice and against the victimization of the workers right, as a strong women, the Power Girl is missing today but will be strongly represented by family members, who I am sure are proud to receive this award posthumously bestowed on her. Crossing paths with Patsy in the struggle with her as the first President of the WICLU, give me the firm commitment, motivation and renewed strength to embark on a second term as President of WICLU. With her true spirit and various calls for unity in the trade union movement, I would dare to embark on some restructuring of the WICLU, since I also firmly believe in what my sister has instill in me :" Unity is strength ."
I have already invited all union to a meeting on last Friday, April 24th, 2015 to dicuss and agenda of important issue for us to join forces in defense of the workers in Sint Maarten Present to this meeting were Presidents or Vice Presidents or repesentatives of the following unions : WITU, WIFOL, ASEWI, SMCU, UFA, ABVO-SXM,NAPB.
While the date for the follow up meeting has been set for May 12th,2015, we would continue of effort in inviting the unions who were not present at the first invitation.
The objective and ultimate goal of these meetings are to broaden and strengthen the participation of the workers' organizations in WICLU. The active participation of all national unions will create greater awareness and respect for the fundamental rights of the workers. Constructive social dialogue among stake holders will promote consensus building and democratic involvement that will benefit all the workers. Thank you one more for our forefathers and the historic impact they have made in taking trade unionism to another level. For this I am proud that my cousin, Mr. Rene Richardson, a former President of WIFOL, was put forward to be honored. Together with the spirit of Labour, the behind the scene hard working secretary of the WIFOL under Rene's tenure ,but who I can proudly state is a member now of the WITU and is known as Mrs. Sandra Mathew-White, teacher and adjunct school manager at the Genevieve de Weever Primary School.
Workers on Sint Maarten have to be proud and forever grateful to all the person that we have been honoring on Labour Day since 2013.
I would like to wish everyone a pleasant and reflective day, we have to teach our workers and the workers children what this all mean. The true meaning of Labour Day and the workers organization have to continue with the demand of decent work to eradicate poverty and youth unemployment. The fundamental rights of the workers has to find its full swing back in the workplaces and together with government and employers' organization the workers' organization will have to promote, encourage and motivate defending the rights and protection of the workers.

Have a Safe and Enjoyable Carnival and Happy Labor Day Mrs. Claire Elshot-Aventurin President of WICLU