BUZZ | Charting an Inclusive Approach to Recovery

CIPR IAN I COLLEGE OF L AB O U R & CO - O P E RAT IV E S T U DIE S

Knowledge | Courage | Responsibility

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 3 | JUN 2022

ISSUE 3

Covid-19 had a devastatingly negative impact on the region over the last two years. The loss of livelihood is yet to be quantified; the loss of life is unprecedented in our lifetime.

The stress on regional social protection mechanisms exposed several gaps in our ability to manage crises. The slow pace of adaptation by some sectors—and the abject failure of others to even try—exposes fundamental challenges in our economies and the world of work.

01 CAN WE LEARN FROM OUR PANDEMIC RESPONSE?

“Charting an inclusive approach to recovery”

The pandemic presents the opportunity for us to examine these weaknesses. This analysis should be geared toward proposing new systems to deal with large-scale social disruptions, new models of development and new mechanisms for transforming the world of work in the 4th Industrial Revolution. We also have the opportunity for this analysis to be participatory and to engage alternative development ideas.

This issue of BUZZ and the CCLCS’ 2022 schedule of Labour Week activities explore new or alternative paths, possibilities and approaches to development, sustainability, recovery and resilience. These alternatives could break us out of perpetual cycles of lurching from one disaster or disruption to another, seemingly only to end in the same place.

Special thanks to the editing team Ms. Fayola Bostic Ms. Ria Chaitram Mr. Akins Vidale Mr. Ian Daniel

BUZZ Communications

Buzz is an indication of the College’s commitment to stake its place in the contestation of ideas about the social development of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean Region.

Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies Valsayn, Trinidad and Tobago BUZZ Communications You can find us at: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter buzznewsletter@cclcs.edu.tt

ENGINEERING INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

Fundamental changes are made possible by historical inflection points. So let us hope that we can use the opportunity of Covid to do more than perpetuate old inequities.

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03 THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO NEOLIBERALISM

EDITORIAL

RECOVERING FROM THE PANDEMIC’S TOLL

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WHY THE CARIBBEAN SHOULD MAKE A BOLD STATEMENT ON THE TRIPS WAIVER

WAYS TO WORK AROUND RETRENCHMENT OF EMPLOYEES

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With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of neoliberalism, Margaret Thatcher made the infamous

statement, “There is no alternative.” It became known as TINA. Indeed, what subsequently transpired seemed to give life to that statement as many on the left went into retreat.

A CASE FOR A WORKING CLASS POLITICAL AGENDA

TRUST: A KEY ELEMENT TO CHARTING AN INCLUSIVE RECOVERY

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09 EFIRD REVIEW OF EVENTS

GBV WORKPLACE POLICY RATIFIED

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RECOVERING FROM THE

PANDEMIC’S TOLL The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic continues in an allencompassing way. Every facet of life as we know it has been affected politically, economically, socially, psychologically, biologically, technologically and otherwise. No area has been left unscathed.

The average citizen and even those involved in medical research could not have pinpointed its exact beginnings and devastating impact. Millions of global citizens have died; original estimates indicated over 6 million deaths during the pandemic. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently stated gross underreporting, and the death toll is closer to 15 million persons.

The psychological impact on some citizens has been severe.

Reports of suicide have surfaced across the globe, along with heightened stress, fear, anxiety and trauma. Some have lost hope and are not sure what tomorrow will bring. Local mental health practitioners have reported an uptick in persons seeking psychological care, including children to adults alike. This feature is also global. Some parents have also indicated noticeable changes in their offspring, such as increased aggression and anxiety, locking themselves in their rooms and self-harming.

Some teachers adjusted and functioned, while others had technological challenges. The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) reported some teachers resigned due to weak to non-existent technological skills.

Some students prospered; many others suffered. In Trinidad and Tobago, some never received laptops, and the Ministry of Education reported that 2,000 students dropped out of school entirely.

According to the Ministry of Education, in Jamaica, eight teachers died in eight days during May, sparking widespread fear among educators in that country. In addition, upon returning to in-person classes in Trinidad and Tobago, some teachers identified considerable learning loss among some students.

Many people are not as brave as they once were when interacting socially, even as many countries have lifted restrictions. Babies, children, adolescents, young adults and mature adults have been affected. All of us can share a story of resilience, strife, or utter misfortune, such as losing a job or the demise of a relative or friend.

Imo Rameses Bakari- M.A. Psychologist, Lecturer Consultant Life Coach and Author

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Based on this understanding, particularly from research findings and anecdotal evidence, recovery plans must be designed. No timeframe can be placed on this understanding since it will take time for individuals to recover from the many areas in which they have been negatively impacted. However, some immediate areas of concern are proper nutrition, employment, medical care, and psychological care.

It was interesting to hear world-renowned guru Sadhguru stating that his foundation feeds 18 million people in India since, according to him, no one should go hungry. People need to feel wholesome and able to contribute to their full capacity. Having a sound body and mind is essential, and being able to pay bills and loans is also vitally important.

This author strongly advises that all organizations and institutions must develop a Covid-19 recovery plan.

Government, sporting bodies, cultural organizations, NGOs, churches, mosques, temples, schools, universities, and workplaces must as a matter of priority put committees in place to work on this plan. Their findings and reports can feed into a national system and framework designed to assess submissions, and an implementation plan, followed by the systematic implementation of measures in the short, medium and long term.

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We have all suffered together, especially persons from the lowand middle-income groups globally. Therefore, institutions must start planning for recovery from the pandemic. Think tanks from every institution must first discuss how persons were affected.

A fair idea already exists based on research carried out during the pandemic; however, many citizens would not be research subjects, and their stories need to be heard and understood.

The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) reported some teachers resigned due to weak to non-existent technological skills.

Given Covid-19’s impact on the world, it will be foolhardy to envision a recovery process steeped in tradition. Instead, we need essential open-mindedness to appreciate this and approach it in this way. Such a life-changing event is not for a few persons or groups to star; we need to collectively star Increasing technological literacy is another priority area since we to shine a brighter light on the darkness brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic that lays the groundwork for a brighter expect to experience many more pandemics and with greater future. regularity. Technology helped to keep the ship of states sailing, notwithstanding challenges. A future heavily dominated by this technology is inevitable, and we should, like good Scouts and Girl guides must, be prepared to adjust, act and prosper in the future.

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Can We Learn from Our

PANDEMIC RESPONSE?

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Even now, however, some of our citizens are still reluctant to get vaccinated.

In some cases, there are those who put themselves at risk by not getting vaccinated

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Mr. Health

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Under the pandemic, Trinidad and Tobago, as a country, reacted like headless chickens. We had to open many outdoor medical facilities, families were kept in the dark about their sick loved ones, and people were treated and infected during the time it took to be tested and given results. We can clearly say we not ready for this.

For Trinidad and Tobago, when the novel coronavirus was discovered, we weren’t aware of the nationwide health challenge that was about to confront us. It was the first such experience for us as an independent nation. There was no more colonial master or mother country to guide us out of this critical situation.

Upon hearing about the emergence of this deadly virus in December 2019, we as citizens continued with our usual daily routines, since back then, the virus was only concentrated in China. Being halfway around the world from the virus’ country of origin, we felt a sense of security. We celebrated Christmas and Carnival the way we usually did: with confetti, socialising, family gatherings, Christmas parties, Carnival fetes, beach limes and bar-hopping.

From the second week of March 2020, our worst fears about the virus started to become reality. The virus had finally reached our shores. It was at this moment we discovered our first case of the Covid-19 virus locally among passengers returning home from abroad after being exposed to infected persons. Since it could take approximately one to two weeks for symptoms to appear, infected travellers became ill after returning home, and in some instances reunited with family members, not knowing they had been infected.

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In the third week of March 2020, the authorities eventually closed the nation’s borders and tried to contain known infected persons in an attempt to avoid the spread of this deadly contagious virus. From this point onwards, our country’s healthcare system, faith and endurance were about to be put to the test. It was only then our healthcare and other critical sectors had to show their level of preparedness for any major outbreaks or pandemics.

In addition to the border closure, various sectors of the nation’s economy were literally put to sleep. Schools, hotels, dining outlets, entertainment venues, sporting facilities, and all other venues crowds gathered were shut down.

Everything appeared to be under control for the first few months, but unfortunately, a major part of Trinidad and Tobago culture consists of partying, beach limes and other social events. Even after several restrictions and guidelines from the government and health experts, some of us still went ahead and defied them, believing we would not become infected.

The discipline of wearing a face mask also took some time to become a part of fighting the virus methods.

The large social gatherings moved from inside the bars to outside, or in some instances, the bars or some other liming spots appeared closed but hid large gatherings inside. People still purchased alcoholic drinks from the groceries and went to private venues to socialize.

These conditions eventually led to community spread. At the same time, there were only two PCR testing venues in the country, and test results were not available until one week later.

That meant someone already infected at the time of their PCR test, while awaiting their PCR test results, could have mingled with family members and friends. During this time, they could have infected several others. The lack of testing sites was a major drawback in tracking the number of positive cases and even treating the number of infected persons.

Several other testing sites were eventually opened followed by the introduction of rapid antigen testing, which returned results within approximately 15 minutes.

The capacity at medical facilities was stretched, as available bed space and medical personnel fell. Healthcare workers were limited by the most important tools needed to perform our duties: PPE (personal protective equipment). We were always told supplies were limited, and as healthcare workers, being told we had to stay in scrubs for eight to 10 hours in the heat, and then have no scrubs to wear when we showered, or after using the washroom, was one of the biggest challenges we were faced. Challenges that also included seeing patients and family members die and not being able to help them.

Obtaining vaccines once they were developed was also a major challenge at first, preventing the vaccination of the population within a reasonable timeframe. The problem of procuring vaccines was also rectified after a while.

Even now, however, some of our citizens are still reluctant to get vaccinated. In some cases, there are those who put themselves at risk by not getting vaccinated, behave as though there is no Covid-19 virus out there, and eventually run the risk of contracting the virus.

Like everything else, there are lessons to be learned here.

In the future, it is important for us to have sufficient trained medical professionals, PPE and appropriate medical equipment.

A medical playbook should be generated for how we fight any outbreaks and pandemics, informed by the lessons we’ve learned from our Covid-19 reponse.

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Engineering Inclusive Development Who are we? What does it mean to a country, a people or a nation? This is not asked facetiously. If we are at an historic inflection point, then the choices we make at this moment depend on the answers to such existential questions. To put it simply, to take advantage of big moments we must root ourselves in big truths and be guided by big ideals. We must confront who we are and decide who we want to be.

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COVID-19 continues to reveal the ugliness of who we have become. It didn’t cause it. The ugliness has always been with us.

COVID-19 continues to reveal the ugliness of who we have become. It didn’t cause it. The ugliness has always been with us, just under the surface, ready to take advantage of the opportunities our weaknesses present. Even as we struggle to find our better selves how can we deny that the darkness has been ascendant for a long time now. It has been easy for us to pretend that it’s not us. It’s crazy American politics; it’s BREXIT; it’s the craziness of Afghanistan and now Ukraine; it’s killing black people for being black and, it’s whoever was crazy enough to create a bat virus, as if bird flu, monkeypox and Ebola weren’t bad enough. But thank the gods the crazy hasn’t been us. But how are we really doing?

Covid-19 caught everyone with their mouths open, but some were better prepared for the economic disruption than others. Seventy-two countries in the world have some form of unemployment insurance. We’re not one of them. Grants notwithstanding, we have had to watch many people go unemployed for much of the pandemic without any kind of structured assistance. Good employers lost their businesses in droves and seeing the number of boarded up shops was truly heartbreaking. But how many capable employers chose to close their operations at the first sign of Covid-19 and didn’t even try to practice good industrial relations or corporate responsibility?

How many have attempted to pass on the cost of all Covid-19 disruptions onto the public?

And again, disruptions were in fact occurring before Covid-19.

Quite frankly, I’m not sure if we still have an energy sector, but somehow it makes sense to some that an oil producing country shouldn’t pass value on to citizens.

“Gas and electricity cost more all over the world.”

And… so...? 72 countries have unemployment insurance. What’s your point? We’ve had a slumping economy before Covid-19, and yet this seems to be a good time for some to aggressively reduce state employment levels, because there’s no better time to retrench people than when there’s no available alternative employment and, when you need a math degree to calculate the cost of living.

The ugly side says that we are happy to live with vast inequities in our society despite constant economic, social and political disruptions. So nothing is done about the soaring price of, well… everything. New taxes are coming while we fail to collect a lot of what’s already on the books. But hey, some people can fill the tanks of Range Rovers, Bentleys, Porsches and the like, so it’s all good.

Look, there are enough fingers to point everywhere. We’re back to driving like we’re in an endless demolition derby. Garbage comes flying out of cars and water courses continue to be a favourite dumping site. A police officer declares reassuringly, “If

IAN DANIEL Senior Lecturer and Head of Department Labour Studies Department Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies Valsayn, Trinidad and Tobago 6

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we were going to kill you, you’d be dead already.” Taxi drivers work the night shift knowing that the next trip could be a robbery attempt and many of us hold on grimly to processing all things public through the lens of race.

Is this who we want to be? Or do we want to get off this “devil take the hindmost” treadmill? The global evidence is unambiguous. Less poverty, less inequality, more inclusion and greater investment in public welfare produces happier safer societies.

So if what we are isn’t working for many, what can we do differently? How about we try things like investing in sport, art, culture and food production, things that can help us grow strong, confident, disciplined and moral; asking those who are most able to sacrifice more so that in difficult times we can ask less of those who are least able; emphasising the move from buying cheap and selling expensive to investing in research and development and, indigenous production of anything which lowers our import bill; the State focusing on enabling small business development including agriculture, partnering to provide infrastructure and information and to support processing at scale wherever necessary; the State utilising its communications resources to discipline the society by consistently messaging about the desired national values and behaviours, something which may have had more public impact during Covid-19 than the expressed concerns about animals and scenes.

And how about holding ourselves genuinely accountable so that we can admit when something isn’t working and move quickly, and without blame to an alternative.

The list of options for alternative development strategies is long and a lot of it isn’t new. And likewise, the mindscape change required is a radical return to the root. To be inclusive there must be something to which we all belong and to which we all wish to belong. This mindscape is anchored in simple tenets; unrestrained greed is wrong; unrestrained corruption is wrong; money is not the only measurement of individual or social value; our culture is valuable; our environment and people are valuable; personal responsibility is essential. We have been different before. We have chased Carlie away; we have a long heritage of self-help and mobilisation of community assets and we have a revolutionary tradition of seeking social justice. This crass materialism and acceptance of stark inequity that seems to characterise us today has to be reversible. If it isn’t, will our ‘country’ be anything other than a place that generations, rich and poor alike, seek only to escape?

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NEO LIBERAL ISM Ozzi Warwick

General Secretary, Joint Trade Union Movement Chief Education and Research Officer, OWTU

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Ozzi Warwick

THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO

NEOLIBERALISM With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of neoliberalism, Margaret Thatcher made the infamous statement, “There is no alternative.” It became known as TINA. Indeed, what subsequently transpired seemed to give life to that statement as many on the left went into retreat. The mass organisations such as trade unions were so severely attacked, they were too weak to mount a comprehensive alternative model. Neoliberalism has been the dominant political and economic paradigm for the last 40 years. The fact is that, notwithstanding all its promises, it has redistributed wealth and power upward, influencing everything from government policies to business models to collective bargaining. Neoliberalism has also reshaped the way we think about ourselves and how we see the world around us.

Neoliberalism has further brought about widening inequality and financial vulnerability for many ordinary working people. Whilst most families in Trinidad and Tobago have very few opportunities to create their own wealth, our economic and political elites have enjoyed wealth accumulation through profits, capital gains and dividends.

The concept of small government policy adopted by this Government has resulted in cutting decent jobs, e.g., the retrenchment of workers at ArcelorMittal, Petrotrin, the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) and many other government agencies. Job creation does not exist as a strategy or policy under neoliberalism but simply the replacement of decent jobs with precarious ones. However, as it stands today, neoliberalism is losing its appeal. The model failed because of its own contradiction. In 2019, the lobbying group the Business Roundtable (BRT) — declared that the purpose of a corporation was not just to serve shareholders but to create value for and respond to workers, communities and the environment.

This was a major shift from neoliberalism’s main proponent, bourgeois economist Friedman, who declared that, “the social responsibility of business is to increase its profits.”

THE FALSE NARRATIVE OF NEOLIBERALISM Neoliberalism has pervasive narrative power; therefore, we must confront the narratives before presenting a new dimension. The first of these is the idea of individualism, and the presentation that an individual needs to compete with other individuals to meet their needs. Neoliberalism’s advocates present the free market as a natural and rational mechanism for the distribution of resources to the people. Flowing from these two things is the idea of limited or small government to prevent political interference in the “natural” process of the market; thus, political action is deemed artificial.

The truth is that there is nothing natural about the market. The reality of human relations is that we are connected and the systems that we follow are man-made — there is no divine market. It is a manmade process and a product of human creation.

The market is governed by rules, and developed by those who benefit from the market economy.

Neoliberalism’s promise of prosperity is unfulfilled as wages remain stagnant for over 30 years.

All the benefits of modern society are the result of trade unions, achieved by working people and mass mobilisation. Freedom of the market once meant freedom from political domination but what is required now is freedom from the domination of corporate power and freedom from inequality.

Freedom from want, fear and anxiety. The so-called freedom of the market is diametrically opposed to these other fundamental freedoms. The free market undermines community, connection and belonging within the nation as a whole.

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THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO NEOLIBERALISM Continued from page 9 THE ALTERNATIVE The alternative model to neoliberalism is designed to stop the money circulation which takes from the poor and gives to the rich. It values the demand-side economics over the supply side. Decent employment, new modes of production and new ownership of the means of production are core parts of the alternative. The new alternative speaks to human dignity over exploitation for profit. The new alternative embodies the freedom of people to be decision-makers in policies and systems that affect their lives, where they work and where they live.

We need this new alternative to rebuild the social structures stripped away by neoliberalism.

In terms of the policy areas, the alternative includes the following: •

In employment, immediately return decent public sector jobs, incentivising private sector employers to replace precarious jobs with decent jobs. Legislation is needed to guarantee decent employment conditions and pension rights.

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In the housing sector, the fair and equal distribution of residential land according to average salaries.

Another key pillar in the alternative is the democratisation of power in the workplace with revised labour laws to ensure strong trade unions and the establishment of workers’ cooperatives.

We cannot continue to only talk about political democracy and not talk about economic democracy. The alternative to the market economy requires building a social economy which takes into consideration the voices of ordinary working people, the household economy and rights. This includes the issue of public ownership, especially in response to the climate crisis. A more progressive transition to a low carbon future must fulfil the right to energy by recognising access to energy as a human right and a basic need. It will ensure that the provision of energy is on a public goods basis.

When we read the policy documents coming out of the Ministry of Finance, including budget documents, we immediately realise that they are governed by the plantation system and bourgeois economics of neoliberalism. There is nothing that speaks to the creative expansion in economic life. The alternative will develop a new system of ownership, control, production and distribution which is focused on satisfying the needs of the people. In other words, it will be a fundamental change in political and social structures.

The political administration, in advancing its neoliberal agenda, presents policies as a fait accompli with no alternative.

• In the financial sector, greater financial regulation and However, the labour movement presented the ‘Labour Economic the introduction of a new mechanism for corporate social Alternative Plan’ (LEAP) in 2016, which focused on sustained responsibility. growth through public investment. There is no doubt that there can be many more policies and measures that the spatial • Revamping the tax system to introduce progressive taxation limitation of this article will not allow me to explore, but at least is critical. this can be the beginning of new ideas and new conversations, resulting in new actions geared towards transforming the There must be a concerted effort to realise decent employment, economic and social relations of power. fair distribution of land and substantial reform of the financial sector. Other measures include universal basic income paid for Therefore, it is clear that there are alternatives to neoliberalism by the capitalists and the introduction of a living wage instead of and we, as conscious, organised, mobilised workers, and a minimum wage. committed to revolutionary change must continue to champion the alternative conception of how we are organised as a society.

It is the only way that we can ensure a more just, fair and equitable society.

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COMPANIES SHOULD FIND WAYS TO WORK AROUND

RETRENCHMENT OF EMPLOYEES Though the document was intended for informational purposes and not to offer legal advice, in my estimation it provided structure for dealing with a phenomenon that was currently decimating the workforce and by extension the unions in Trinidad and Tobago. The question is, “Are the two major players in many companies, the management and the union, aware of this document and how it may help in job retention?”

On 15 November, 2018 at approximately 3.15 pm, I received a phone call from my coworker that the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) had issued letters of retrenchment to workers, so I had to either check my email or my bank account to see if any large sums of money were issued.

Shocked and confused I did so and to my relief I did not receive an email or money. Yet, that did not stop the hail of phone calls I received from friends and coworkers about their fate. I took to social media that day and posted on Facebook, “TSTT, Pearl Harbour don’t want anything to do with you”.

Alicia Roberts

For the next couple of days seeing coworkers clear their desks, was heartbreaking and torturous, and though there were tears, there was also seething anger. The company had launched a five-year strategic plan and within it was an exercise entitled ‘Re-tool, Re-train, Re-trench’ where retrenchment was to be the last option. Unfortunately, the last option became the first.

Prior to that fateful afternoon, workers had repeatedly asked management, including the Chief Executive Officer at that time Dr. Ronald Walcott and the Head of Employee Relations Ms. Carol David if the rumours of a retrenchment were just that.

They assured workers with straight faces that their jobs were secure, yet ironically Ms. David’s signature was affixed to the retrenchment notices.

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Workers’ rights and civil rights are all tied together. We’ve never had one without the other,

Eric Bunn, Sr. National Vice President, American Federation of Government Employees.

Approximately 500 workers lost their jobs that day including the leader of the Recognised Majority Union. What was even more baffling in the days ahead was the almost deafening silence from the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) which needed to be a beacon of comfort to all its members. Many employees wondered, why wasn’t any dialogue held with the union on the issue that would have impacted the lives of its members? Now in 2022 the spectre of retrenchment loomed once more for TSTT employees.

Former Research Officer of the Communication Workers’ Union and holds a M.A. in History from the University of The West Indies.

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An International Labour Organization’s (ILO) manual Better Work: Managing Transitions and Retrenchment Guidelines states, “The retrenchment of workers should be considered as a last resort.” This manual was created and published as a guideline to help factories facing economic challenges and to adhere to applicable laws, international good practices, and international labour standards. This manual carefully detailed some possible alternatives to circumvent job losses and if retrenchment became an option, the manual gave a detailed breakdown on how a restructuring/retrenchment exercise should be carried out.

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In the National Enterprises Limited (NEL) report for 2021, its chairman Ingrid Lashley stated, “TSTT had experienced a 35 per cent reduction in value, the company has embarked on another reorganisation exercise, that when successfully implemented is expected to yield significant profits going forward.” The union, supposedly TSTT’s management and the workers were caught off guard by this statement. Why were there no consultations held with the union about the state of TSTT before that announcement was made? Dr. Walcott in an interview with Newsday in 2018 said, the then retrenchment exercise was a part of the TSTT board’s long-term plan to give the company a viable future. But clearly the plan did not work. Or was it ever implemented?

There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic threw the world into chaos and with it the economy and TSTT faltered. Loss of revenue and serious competition meant restructuring and retrenchment. From January 2022 until May 30, 2022 there was nothing definitive from the company on the number of employees to be retrenched. Unlike 2018, there have been consultations and discussions between the company and the union, but workers were still in the dark about their job status and were waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop, which finally happened on May 31, 2022. Again, over 400 employees inclusive of this writer lost their jobs. A sub-committee was formed by the Cabinet to investigate if TSTT was ‘fit for purpose’ as a company. But what about the employees? Are they being taken into consideration? Have they been working in vain?

Mismanagement, political interference, and corruption has brought TSTT to this place and if we were not careful as citizens, other state enterprises will follow, using retrenchment as the key to maintain profitability but also to eject the presence of unions within these organisations. Retrenchment for a limited few, can be seen as a golden handshake for years of service rendered, whereby for many, it meant starting all over again, competing in a limited job market with younger and more qualified people.

What most people failed to realise was that numerous job losses also impacted on medical plans, pension plans and NIB contributions. I would suggest that the collective agreements in all trade unions be revised where retrenchment was concerned.

Besides using the modus operandi of last in, first out and the Retrenchment and Severance Benefit Act to provide severance payment for retrenched employees, there needed to be an established process between the company and union when a restructuring exercise was being pursued. For example, timelines for discussions between the company and union, feedback from employees about workplace engagement and the manual provided by the ILO can be a great reference for use in this issue. Employee assistance programmes should be more prolific to help workers deal with the impending changes.

Another avenue that could have been looked at was selling shares to employees thereby offering them stake in its future.

Finally, retrenchment should be the last resort in any industry, especially in state enterprises where national patrimony was at stake. Thousands of unemployed people do not augur well in any country. To prevent social unrest, unions need to become more strident in their calls in the inclusion process of sustainability and profitability, as their membership and civil rights are at stake.

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GBV WORKPLACE POLICY

RATIFIED BY REGIONAL EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS Port of Spain, Trinidad – More than 47 companies and 50 labour unions from 18 Caribbean countries have agreed to a baseline policy to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the world of work. This baseline policy is the result of a joint initiative between the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC) and the Caribbean Confederation of Labour (CCL) which is supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Spotlight Initiative. On Wednesday 8 June, 2022, the second and final online workshop was conducted to develop joint policy positions based on minimum standards for best practices.

Aurora Noguera-Ramkisson, Liaison Officer, Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago Liaison Office, UNFPA in her opening remarks noted, “Recent studies by UN Women in the Eastern Caribbean indicate that prevalence of intimate partner violence is around 45 per cent. This workplace policy is meant to raise awareness of linkage between VAWG in the workplace.

It will ensure survivors have access to services they need and employers have the information to ensure that survivors can access the services.”

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“Workplace policies, like this, set standards in coordinating and ensuring that there are services for survivors particularly in health, social, police and justice systems services,” explained Mariana Santoyo, GBV Regional Programme Specialist for the Spotlight Initiative, UNFPA in the Plenary session. Debbie Gray, Regional Coordinator, Spotlight Caribbean Programme at UNICEF also spoke at the event.

The online workshop was hosted by Mr. Ian Daniel, Head of Department, Labour Studies of the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies (CCLCS). The workshop, coordinated by the CCLCS, gave participants the task of making final comments on the updated working document in the areas of definitions; identification and responsibilities of stakeholders; prevention; reporting mechanisms and response to GBV incidents.

The workshop closed with the ratification of a resolution to adopt “Joint Policy Positions to Address Gender-Based Violence at the Workplace.” The motion was moved by Susan Hodge, Secretary/Treasurer of the Caribbean Congress of Labour Representative and seconded by Shanika Best, member of the Barbados Employers’ Confederation and Caribbean Employees’ Confederation Representative. The motion was approved unanimously by members present.

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Susan Hodge, the Anguilla Civil Service Association ratified the Workplace Policy as a representative of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL).

Shanika Best of the Barbados Employers’ Confederation ratified the Workplace Policy as a representative of the Caribbean Employees’ Confederation (CEC).

“This is a major accomplishment,” said Akins Vidale, Project Lead for the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies as he addressed workshop participants in his closing remarks. “The next step is to get this policy into organisations. We have to create an implementation framework and help start the process.

Job well done and thank you for giving of your time.”

The Joint Regional Effort between the CEC and the CCL under the Spotlight Initiative is a significant opportunity for employers, workers, and their representatives to create and shape workplace policies and cultures to efficiently address and eliminate GBV. The finalised policy will be available to all persons in mid-July 2022 and will be accessible via the CCLCS conference website - www.cclcsconferences.net

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TRUST: A KEY ELEMENT TO CHARTING AN INCLUSIVE RECOVERY

In the late 70s when the Australia Cricket team with their fast bowlers, demolished, intimidated, and dominated the world of cricket. Like those Australia fast bowlers, the Covid-19 pandemic has also demolished, intimidated, and devastated the region and the world over the last two years.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been bowling many fastballs and bouncers, which destroyed many lives, livelihoods, and the economy in its path—leaving many economies out for ‘duck’, exposing the stresses on food security, social protection mechanisms, and social structures. Covid-19 exposed our proverbial ‘wicket’ and underlined several gaps in our ability to manage the ‘fast ball’ called crisis.

The slow pace of changing and adapting by some sector leaders within our economies and the abject failure of others to evaluate their weaknesses and what is needed for future success have allowed the pandemic to dominate the world economy. In charting an inclusive approach to recovery, the three significant actors (government, business and unions/workers) need to collaborate while pooling ideas and strategies and then execute on these ideas and strategies for the greater good.

Therefore, discussions on “charting an inclusive approach to recovery” is vital to engineering a new institute for economic growth, social stability, and political reformation. In charting an inclusive approach to recovery, we need to create a strategic roadmap to cover the needs of all stakeholders that can speak to the collective action or process to achieve an overall positive outcome in the social economy.

In my last article, “Navigating the pandemic 2022 version: leading with the three A’s and three L’s”, we dealt with some of the issues mentioned above. So, what should charting an inclusive approach to recovery look like?

The beginning of any good relationship starts with some level of Trust. I know the answer is too simple, and can it be justified.

The Oxford dictionary defines ‘trust’ as a “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.”

‘Trust’ comes with its economic system. Stephen M.R. Covey, son of the late Stephen R. Covey (author of the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”), wrote a book, “The Speed of Trust: the one thing that changes everything.” In that book, he created a formula, “[‘Strategy’ times ‘Execution’] multiplied by ‘Trust’ equals ‘Results’: (S x E) * T = R” (Covey, 2008).

The last article dealt with the ‘S’ or strategy and the ‘E’, execution; we are now exploring the ‘T.’ Of course, trusting is easier said than done; for example, with Adam and Eve, once Trust was broken, it was hard to mend.

I cannot help but reflect on the cricket documentary, “Fire in Babylon” (Publishing, 2022), because it showed a blueprint for recovery using the “(S x E) * T = R” equation. The West Indies cricket team had many talented batsmen and bowlers (Sir Vivan Richard, Clive Lloyd (captain), Michael Holdings, Gordan Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Deryck Murray, Andy Roberts, Lance Gibbs, Wayne Daniel, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall). Still, they were not winning and were destroyed by the Australian team. Clive Lloyd realized that 11 men placed together were not a team but a gang until parties could function with one goal and objective in mind while working together.

Clive Lloyd had a transformational strategy to identify, recruit, and train fast bowlers (Wayne Daniel, Michael Holdings, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Collin Crieff) and batsmen (Sir Vivian Richard, Malcolm Marshall (all-rounder)). Clive Lloyd Strategy (transformational), execution (training and development), and Trust (everyone working and contributing to one goal, ‘to win’); results (in the West Indies, supremacy was assured with a new crop of players).

Stephen Ambrose (MBA, BA, B.Sc., AA, A.Sc) Industrial Relations & Business Consultant and Lecturer of Introduction to Industrial Relations at the University of the West Indies (U.W.I) Open Campus.

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In our local parlance, most journeys are affected by ‘politics’, which can be defined as the system or culture of a particular institute, people, or organization that defines its rules of engagement, management, and leadership. The pandemic has been the proverbial ‘educator’ teaching all stakeholders and actors about the need to evolve or become extinct as the dinosaurs.

Developing ‘trust,’ we need to reform our minds and adjust the politics surrounding stakeholders in our society and even go further seeking new talent with the potential to bring about the necessary change for organization and society. This new talent (as used by the West Indies team) can help in charting new transformational paths using strategies based on research method, philosophical theory, technology, and innovation, creating a more productive and inclusive society.

Yes, some of our leaders are “emotionally damaged” due to their many battles. Hence, seeking new talent with the Trust, potential, and a will to make a difference will keep us in this economic game ‘not out.’ Ralph Waldo Emerson stated: “…

Our distrust is very expensive” (Biography.com, 2022) Consider this example of Warren Buffet (CEO of Berkshire Hathaway – considered one of the most trusted leaders in the world), who recently completed a major acquisition of McLane Distribution (a 23-billion-dollar company) from Walmart. As public companies, both Berkshire Hathaway and Walmart are subject to market and regulatory scrutiny. Typically, a merger would take several months to complete and cost several million dollars to pay for accountants and auditors. Attorneys would also need to verify and validate all kinds of information.

But in this instance, because both parties operated with high trust, the deal was made with one two-hour meeting and a handshake. In less than a month, it was completed.

In a management letter accompanying his 2004 annual report, Warren Buffet wrote: “We did no ‘due diligence. We knew everything would be exactly as Walmart said it would be, and it was.”

As Covey wrote: High Trust equals High Speed plus Low Cost (Covey S. M., 2008). The moral of the story is that stakeholders have to be ‘trustworthy.’

However, in charting an inclusive approach to recovery, we need to develop Trust. But for Trust to be developed and maintained, we must use the golden rule: “love your neighbour as yourself” and remove all ‘systemic politics’ that deflate any progressive initiative.

Political activities are associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.

Machiavelli’s moral theory states: “the end justifies the means, … It is a method of justifying … principles or arrangement by appealing to the agreement that would be made among suitably situated rational, free, and equal persons…” (Thomas Hobbes’s social contract theory (stanford.edu, 2022)). Pluto’s political theory states that “… in a system in which everyone has a right to rule all sort of selfish people who care nothing for people but are motivated by their own personal desires…” (stanford.edu, 2022).

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The slow pace of changing and adapting by some sector leaders within our economies and the abject failure of others to evaluate their weaknesses and what is needed for future success have allowed the pandemic to dominate the world economy.

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We need first to acknowledge our weakness, just as athletes move from a present position or condition to a new place or state of strength. But more than moving, mapping the path used to get to the new position can be used to aid others on the same path of development.

Therefore, to chart an inclusive approach to recovery moving forward, we need leaders who have opinion, integrity, knowledge, and vision and are not drunk on power or position.

There is no more significant time than now in human history for leaders of various groups to put aside pride, arrogance, and selfishness for the greater good of all. Creating a tripartite committee with everyone coming to the table with Trust, clean hands and a renewed mind.

“A time like this demands men, real men, men of opinion, men of will, men whom the lust of office cannot kill…” (Tubal Uriah Buzz Bulter, December 9th, 1937 (Publisher, 1982))

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WHY THE CARIBBEAN SHOULD MAKE A BOLD STATEMENT ON THE

TRIPS WAIVER SADLY, THE COVID-19 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS IS STILL HERE. HOWEVER, THERE IS TROUBLE AFOOT. Several countries worldwide, including Caribbean states, are now battling a potential fifth wave thanks to the highly transmissible and contagious BA. 2 Omicron subvariant. This rise in Covid-19 infections comes even though significant strides have been made, such as developing a vaccine, to limit its impact.

Pharmaceutical companies, through the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement), have managed to tie up the patents for the medication, vaccines, tests and other Covid-19 related technologies critical to combat this pandemic.

For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), like the Caribbean territories, a new wave could mean a return to protocols—some of which are just being lifted—aimed at keeping the virus in check.

These companies, mainly located in the territories categorized as the global north, have been selling to the highest bidder. These buyers are usually the same countries that have been able to influence how these items are then distributed, mainly to their benefit. The rest of the world then has to play the wait-and-see game to the detriment of the health of their respective citizenry.

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The TRIPS agreement essentially allows certain pharmaceutical companies to monopolise the production of the vaccines and other related products

The economic vulnerability of Caribbean states cannot be fully underscored given that most states are highly dependent on sectors such as tourism for revenue inflows. Should the virus again take root, there could be further devastation impacting economies and inevitably the workplace.

Fortunately, with the development of medicines, vaccines, tests, and PPE (personal protective equipment), there have been credible methods to tackle this virus. The latest figures show that just over five billion individuals worldwide have gotten at least one shot of the vaccine.

This unequal distribution has seen vaccine stockpiles in some countries while other countries, mainly in the global south, are still having challenges in procuring them. The Caribbean, for example, has been showing underwhelming vaccination rates, with one of those factors being the availability of vaccines, which are mainly imported into the region.

These figures could be drastically improved if a proposed TRIPS waiver is passed by member states at the WTO. Initially proposed by India and South Africa in 2020, waiving the TRIPS Agreement would allow for increasing the production of medicines, vaccines, tests, and PPE around the world, which would benefit especially the developing countries that have been finding it challenging to get these items.

The TRIPS agreement essentially allows certain pharmaceutical companies to monopolise the production of the vaccines and other related products and prevent the ability of other manufacturers from joining in because of the issues tied to intellectual property rights as it relates to patents.

Shamir Brown Fourth Vice President of the Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers (JALGO)

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The reality is that current production levels are not able to meet the demands due to the monopoly on production. The temporary waiver would allow for the manufacturing of the vaccines in other countries, without infringing on the patents held by the pharmaceutical companies.

In addition to low production levels, there is the issue of vaccine hoarding by some states. Due to these issues, there are countries still struggling to administer the first dose, while others can now provide a second booster shot to their population.

The Covax facility was a concerted move involving a variety of stakeholders to allow for equitable access to Covid-19 diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. This, however, has proven not as effective as expected despite donations from pharmaceutical companies and several countries.

Donated vaccines, in some cases, are near their expiry date when they are delivered and become unsuitable for use. In November 2021, Jamaica reported that over 200,000 vaccines had to be discarded as they had passed their best before dates and no longer could be administered to the population.

As new variants continue to come to the fore, we still find that workers, especially those involved in the delivery of public services, are having to face these challenges, putting their lives and the lives of their loved ones on the line. Despite the severity of the situation, these big companies have proven quite reluctant to relinquish any control as it relates to sharing production capacity.

Therefore, these and other reasons make the call for a waiver of the TRIPS Agreement quite necessary. With the Caribbean’s vulnerability, there needs to be a loud clear message of this crisis to the WTO and the nations opposing the waiver. Two years after the vaccine was made available, it shouldn’t be that the heath of billions of people be placed at risk because Big Pharma believes that money is more important.

Yes, there has been a call from the Caribbean community aimed at getting the WTO member countries to change course as it relates to the TRIPS waiver, but clearly, there needs to be more.

In April, draft text was leaked that suggested some amendments to the waiver document that signalled some form of compromise, but the calls are that it is still quite inadequate.

If agreed to, the amendments would allow for the manufacturing of vaccines only and would not include other tests and treatments. There would be the restrictions to developing countries with limitations on countries who exported more than 10% of world exports in 2021 plus other implications.

The coronavirus pandemic is not the last time that the world will face a health crisis of epic proportions; therefore, it is essential that we never again go through a situation such as this where the lives of billions of people are held at ransom by firms and countries that only have their own interests at heart. It is imperative that the change required is done now so that future generations are not driven to the levels of mendicancy because what some feel should remain in the hands of a few.

For the health and safety of the citizens across the Caribbean, it is essential that Caribbean nations up the ante in their call for the TRIPS waiver to become a reality. Furthermore, for Caribbean countries to remain on the path of recovery, nations must be able to access these critical technologies.

References

Holder, J. (2021, January 29). Tracking coronavirus vaccinations around the world. The New York Times. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/world/covid-vaccinations-tracker.html Waive WTO copyrights on COVID-19 medical products! Waive WTO copyrights on Covid-19 medical products! - People over Profit - Fight for the world we need. (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://peopleoverprof.it/campaigns/waive-wto-copyrights-on-covid-19-medicalproducts?id=11380&lang=en Too little, too late: We need a permanent trips waiver mechanism. Too little, too late: We need a permanent TRIPS waiver mechanism - PSI - The global union federation of workers in public services. (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://publicservices.international/resources/ news/too-little-too-late-we-need-a-permanent-trips-waiver-mechanism?id=12760&lang=en Angus, W. by: G. L. (n.d.). Only 12 per cent of covid-19 vaccines discarded. Jamaica Information Service. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://jis.gov.jm/only-12-per-cent-of-covid-19-vaccines-discarded/

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A CASE FOR A WORKING CLASS POLITICAL AGENDA I want to start by quoting some comments on the impact of wage increases on the economy.

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And, as Susan Craig noted in her comments on the report, “To add insult to injury, the advisers complained that (they) were forcibly struck by the marked absence of thrift, expect in occasional instances… or of any sustained attempt to put something by for the rainy day…,”(Craig 1988).

The bottom line is that there is never a ‘right time’ for wage increases as current wages are always fair.

Pick up any newspaper, or peruse any social media platform and you will get your parallel for 2022. The belief that a worker’s salary is a matter of what should be offered to them as opposed to what is just due, is a function of the residual historical relations of power between the two groups.

High wages wrenched by the trade union movement, led to capital intensive investment since investors preferred to use more There is always the seemingly logical list of arguments as to why increases should be avoided. The contemporaries have pegged machinery rather than pay the high cost of labour. the position to a ‘debate’ on productivity without defining what they mean by productivity. Or, they argue impending inflation High wages were jacking up prices for consumers, farmers and because of increases but conveniently ignore inflation existing in businessmen; jacking up costs of production and making locally produced goods too expensive to compete on the export market. periods of wage freezes.

This led to less investment, less exports and therefore less foreign exchange, and greater unemployment.

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The fall out of this myopia has been that salary cuts and retrenchment have been the go-to economic plan in challenging times.

High wages were taking too great a share of the National Income at the expense of government revenues and profits for business to We ignore the challenges posed by the fundamental structural reinvest and create more employment. problems inherent in our economy. These problems are directly linked to failures in investment, high unemployment When do you think these statements were made? Last week? and underemployment, the impact of external factors on Last month? Last year? government revenue, failure to adapt to global trading models—online purchasing is a case in point—and poor export They are from 59 years ago! They are excerpts from the 1963 performance outside of hydrocarbons. budget speech, laid by the then Minister of Finance and Prime Minister the late Dr Eric Williams.

There is little material discussion happening in these areas and where it is happening. Those who can affect the change are not Those sentiments, however, could have come from discussions part of the discussions or only participate superficially. in several quarters in 2022.

But, before we come to the present, let’s go even further back to explore some additional sources of this line of thinking.

On 25 July 1842, a House of Commons Committee on the West Indian Colonies identified that “The main cause of reduction in production and consequent distress to the planter… was the high rate of pay.” So, only four years after emancipation, the cry was already that ‘wages were too high.’

How about one more for good measure.

In 1935, a Wages Advisory board was established. They proposed $3.13 for manual workers and $2.57 for workers in rural areas and Tobago and went on to say in the report, “These figures do not represent the minimum expenditure upon which a man can live. He can live on much less.”

Akins Vidale

It is therefore commonplace, in times of adjustment, it is the working class that is asked to bear the burden with loss of job being the ultimate sacrifice. As we saw in the last two years, restructuring to respond to COVID-19 meant sending workers home or cutting wages.

This is neither accidental nor incidental. There has always been a push against the organisation of workers. And though a lot of the discussion may surround wages, the real debate is about control and power.

Historically, it has been the rights and interest of employers which have been enshrined in law, and successive governments did very little to address this inequity. The attitude against trade unionism and the weak legislation which barely protects their members is grounded in old colonial attitudes.

Coordinator of the Elma Francois Institute for Research and Debate, Cipriani College of Labour and Co- operative Studies, Valsayn, Trinidad and Tobago

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“As restrictive provisions, the main purpose of labour law as seen by the colonial authorities was primarily to lay down procedures for the regulation of employer-worker relations which would minimise the scope for workers’ collective assertiveness in determining their terms and conditions of work,” (Thomas 1989).

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There were several changes to the legislation which governed workers in the region. The analysis reveals however that these changes to the legislation served only to regulate the workforce in the colonies.

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Using the Kahn-Freund categorisation of labour law, Thomas identifies, that as far:

There is always the seemingly logical list of arguments as to why increases should be avoided.

So, if you understood my historical connection of the treatment of the workforce in this country, I expressed the view that the attitudes toward compensation for workers have not shifted significantly from the post-emancipation period.

Secondly, I identified pieces of legislation which have been enacted not to protect workers’ rights but to ensure that they were kept ‘in line.’

In direct response to the real possibility of organised labour after emancipation, the Combination Ordinance was passed Thirdly, I am suggesting that, if the legislature is controlled by and implemented in every British West Indian territory between those who seek only to exploit you, then it stands to reason that 1838 and 1840. the legislation would also be exploitative.

The laws took the view that trade union activity was “injurious to trade and commerce, dangerous to the tranquillity of the country and especially prejudicial to the interest of all who are concerned in them.”

Then, in 1965, the Industrial Stabilisation Act (ISA) was introduced, which in effect was a combination of the Strikes and Lock Out and Sedition Ordinances of 1920. Its successor the Industrial Relations Act of 1972 would subsequently introduce the legal segregation of workers into essential services placing restrictions on which unions persons could join. Or to put it another way, it limited the categories of workers which unions could represent effectively legislating a barrier to worker solidarity and organisation across sectors.

It is obvious that workers continue to struggle against the same perennial issues. There is no doubt that organised labour has had several victories over the last century. However, these victories have been made hollow by the cosmetic nature of the concessions given to the class by those in power, resulting in changes in form but not substance. The essence of the working class condition remains unchanged. Therefore, if any fundamental shift in the relations of power is to occur, then the working class must take an active role, to not only influence the legislature but to become a part of it, and give credence to the phrase — “let those who labour hold the reins of power.”

I am not suggesting that there have been no gains by labour or that conditions have not improved generally. But the real advancement of the working class lies in its ability to influence changes to legislation which advance the interest of the class.

George Meany, founding member of the American Federation of Labour-Congress of Industrial Organisations, noted that “American unions are active in politics because they have found that, although the company spy and the professional strikebreaker had just about passed from the scene and although unions have certain protections under the law, the employer has decided that the place to curb the union movement is in the legislative field.”

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EFIRD REVIEW OF EVENTS LABOUR WEEK 2022- CHARTING AN INCLUSIVE APPROACH TO RECOVERY In commemoration of Labour Day 2022, the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies (CCLCS) celebrated labour week with a three-part webinar series under the theme “Charting an Inclusive Approach to Recovery” between 13-15 June 2022.

With Covid-19 having had a devastating impact on the region over the last two years, putting stress on regional social protection mechanisms and social structures, several gaps in our ability to manage crises were exposed. Even more, the slow pace of adaptation by some sectors, and the abject failure of others to even try, highlighted fundamental underlying challenges in our economies and the world of work.

TRANSFORMING THE WORLD OF WORK During the webinar Transforming the World of Work in the 4th Industrial Revolution, held on 13 June 2022, panellists Trevor Johnson, general secretary of Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union (BUGWU) and chairman of the Employers Consultative (ECA), Keston Nancoo, explored the experiences of work from home as imposed by Covid-19 health regulations.

They also examined the role of technology in transforming the world of work.

In his presentation, “Transforming the World of Work in the 4th Industrial Revolution | A Labour Perspective,” Mr Johnson noted that “Covid-19 thrust us significantly forward into issues like digitalisation and transformation of the application of what happens in the workplace.” He also pointed out that “workers are seeking to find their own space as they seek to deal with the whole issue of worker power in a digitalised age.”

Keston Nancoo, in his presentation “Transforming the World of Work in the Fourth Industrial Revolution”, highlighted that “today’s skills will not match the jobs for tomorrow, and newly acquired skills may quickly become obsolete”. He reiterated that “we have to be prepared, as employers and workers, to make sacrifices we need to seize the opportunities that will emerge from the transformative changes if we are to create a brighter future to deliver economic security and economic security for all.”

The moderator for the evening was Janice Johnson- Lorde, Lecturer at CCLCS.

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EFIRD REVIEW OF EVENTS NEVER LET A GOOD CRISIS GO TO WASTE

THE ARTS AND RENAISSANCE

During the June 14 webinar, Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste, panellists challenged the narratives of the current economic development path, given the deficiencies of the Covid-19. During her presentation, speaker Fallon Lutchmansingh, a scientist, researcher and technical coordinator, emphasised that driving efficiency with technology and telemedicine is widespread but asked, “how can we do it right now without all of the infrastructure being totally connected in a large centralised healthcare system of recording?” She recommended small cloud-based health records at the regional health community or health centre as an easy solution.

The webinar, The Arts and Renaissance, held on 15 June 2022, explored the key role the arts play in human and social development and why a deliberate effort should be made to have the arts involved in any transformative agenda. It featured the director of the Philosophical Society of T + T and EthiopiaEritrean artist Turunesh Raymond, retired educator and owner of Ochre Indigo, Deborah Clement, and Natasha Marin, a Seattlebased conceptual artist, published poet, and activist.

Shanice Webb, former president of the Trinidad Youth Council (TYC), underscored the impact on young people and the challenge of youth unemployment in the country. She noted that as a collective, we all have a responsibility to promote youth empowerment and help mitigate the negative impact of a pandemic by giving young people an equal opportunity to contribute toward the solution. “We can start at a policy level,” she said.

This webinar was moderated by Sangeeta Boondoo, Adjunct Lecturer, CCLCS.

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During the discussion, panellist Deborah Clement stressed the need to acknowledge creativity in the workplace, with Natasha Marin adding that the status quo needs to be questioned. In light of these ideas, in her closing comments, Ms Raymond expressed that we consider art a way of “wheeling the nation.”

Leading the discussion for the evening was Head of Department- Labour Studies, CCLCS Ian Daniel.

To view these webinars again, click on the link here: CCLCS Labour Week 2022

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOINT REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT INITIATIVE BETWEEN THE CARIBBEAN EMPLOYERS’ CONFEDERATION AND THE CARIBBEAN CONGRESS OF LABOUR JUNE 2022

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