Perhaps reminiscent of the time when he was a lecturer at the University of the West Indies, this country’s Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves captivated the audience of local and regional labour stalwarts, while addressing the 16th triennial congress of the Caribbean Congress of Labour.{{more}}

The delegates, most of whom would have known the Prime Minister through his work with labour unions, appeared genuinely receptive of his stories, jokes and the ways he brought his points across before he officially declared the congress open.

Dr. Gonsalves, in his address, gave a history of slavery, uprisings, political parties, the labour movement, and the introduction of unions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the rest of the region.

He also touched on the current international economic situation, in relation to the current increase in prices.

Speaking on the convention’s theme, “Revisiting our Philosophical Foundation”, the Prime Minister reminded the delegates that revisiting the foundation does not mean abandoning their philosophies, but going back to the roots and fertilizing it in order for it to grow fruits more abundantly in the new era.

He said the philosophies must be applied in practical policies and programmes where there are new challenges and demands.

Apart from the challenges mentioned by CCL president Jacqueline Jack, Gonsalves included climate change, disaster management, education and health revolutions. (JJ)