Trade unionists hone their skills at Regional Youth Seminar

Several youthful trade unionists from Barbados and across the region gathered at the Frank Walcott Labour College in Mangrove, St. Philip yesterday, to learn how they could better play their role in the trade union movement, and hone their skills as future leaders.

The occasion was the opening of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) Regional Youth Seminar entitled “The Future We Want”. Addressing the participants, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Richard Sealy, noted that he was pleased to be present with “the future leaders of the Trade Union movement in the Caribbean”.

Urging them to understand the importance of trade unionism and what it has meant for the region’s development, Minister Sealy also suggested that they may have to explore how they can do things differently, than what has been done in the past.

“The same way that governments are looking to do things differently, the private sector is forced to do things differently as well. The Trade Union movement also has to operate different and so what these young people are doing, getting together and exchanging ideas and of course looking at different approaches and sharing each other’s experiences is extremely important and I wish them well,” Sealy commented.

“I am told it is going to be five days of seminars and other activities and I think that that is as important as ever. The networking element is not to be understated either and I wish the BWU very well with this year’s edition of the seminar. It’s important, so I thought I would make my way to St. Philip to associate myself with it,” he added.

Principal of the college, Doreen Deane, also acknowledged the importance of such a seminar, in helping the young trade unionists to make a difference in the lives of others.

“Here at Frank Walcott Labour College, we are always happy to be your host for the regional youth programme. This is an event eagerly looked forward to every year,” Deane stated.

“There is always an air of expectation when a group of young people come together. The situation, when charged with positive energy, can potentially change the life station of an individual, a group, your country or the world. There are many stories of young people just like you, who are changing the world they live in. Young people who endeavour to be the change they want to see. The onus is therefore on each of you to do the things that will set you apart, as the achievers, from the rest,” she told the 34 participants gathered, including 12 non-nationals from countries such as Antigua, Bermuda, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Suriname and The Bahamas.