Braving heavy showers, intermixed with sweltering heat, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar joined in solidarity, yesterday, with trade unionists in enacting the traditional Labour Day march from Avocat Junction to Fyzabad. Persad-Bissessar, dressed casually in a yellow jacket, blue jeans and matching wedge-heeled shoes, led the march together with Labour Minister Errol McLeod, Senator and Fitun President David Abdulah, Housing Minister Dr Roodlal Moonilal and Oilfields Workers Trade Union President Ancil Roget. The start of the march was delayed by a heavy downpour and the Prime Minister's late arrival at 11 am. Hundreds gathered at Avocat Junction, Fyzabad, to walk the historic route into the heartland of the Labour Movement.
Persad-Bissessar, speaking with reporters at the end of the march, said she was happy to have been included in the significant day for labour in this country. She said she gladly accepted the invitation to join with the trade unions in solidarity at the march, but it was never her intention to speak on their platform. The Labour Day celebrations began with the annual marathon from OWTU headquarters, Paramount Building, San Fernando. This was followed by the wreath-laying ceremony at Uriah Buzz Butler's grave site at 8.30 am. Just under 20 trade unions, including the Public Services Association, Sheep and Goat Farmers Association, Communication Workers Union, the Medical Professionals Association of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the Prisons Officers Association, made the trek to Fyzabad.
Excited children, together with their equally-excited parents, lined the roadway leading to Charlie King Junction, cheering and waving at Trinidad and Tobago's first female Prime Minister. As she made her way along the traditional Labour march route, Persad-Bissessar, flanked by her heavily-armed security detail, paused to allow residents and supporters the chance to take her photo. Oilfields Workers Trade Union members formed a protective barrier on both sides of the Prime Minister's entourage, by linking union flags. Two schoolboys were allowed to get past the barrier to greet Persad-Bissessar. After shaking her hand, they ran off in glee, staring at their hands in amazement. One of the boys said: " I not washing this hand."
Along the way, residents, many of whom were women, clamoured to catch a glimpse of Persad-Bissessar. One woman shouted: "Kamla, we love you!" Persad-Bissessar made her way to Charlie King Junction platform and stopped in front of the platform to wave to the trade unionists who embarked on the march. She was led back to Fyzabad MP and Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma's Unity Court office.
Many who were eagerly waiting on her shouted: "Where they carrying the lady? We waiting here." As the rains returned, another remarked: "Why they have the lady in the rain? Bring she here, nah." Persad-Bissessar issued a message to supporters who were disappointed that they could not get to greet her. "I thank them very much for their support. I meant no disrespect (for not going on stage), but that was the arrangement made. "As I said, I meant no disrespect to them," she assured.