THE EDITOR, Sir:
ALUMINA PARTNERS of Jamaica, (Alpart), joins the nation in mourning the loss of the Most Honourable Hugh Shearer, past Prime Minister, past president of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) and founding President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU).
As Jamaica's Foreign Minister Mr. Shearer played a pivotal role in the discussions that led to the establishment of Alpart in the 1960s, and as Prime Minister declared the plant officially opened on March 6, 1970.
We will remember his exemplary leadership and humanitarian approach to all issues of national interest, and in particular his gigantic contribution to the development of labour relations, education, and industry.
We extend our sincere sympathies to his wife and family on their immeasurable loss.
Alpart also wishes to express condolences and deepest regret on the passing of Reg Ennis, founder and general secretary of the Union of Technical, Administrative and Supervisory Personnel.
Reg Ennis introduced new dimensions of employee participation into the bargaining process at Alpart, and made a lasting and valuable contribution to labour relations and to industrial development.
Our deepest sympathies are extended to his family, and to the organisation that he founded, and loved.
I am, etc.,
DARREL HARRIMAN
General Manager
Alpart
A gift
from God
THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE LATE Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Hugh Lawson Shearer served our nation well. He was a leader who provided sterling service and whose accomplishments were significant.
His was the first prime minister's hand I shook when he visited our All Age School in deep rural (Cairn Curran) Westmoreland. We made joke then that we would not wash our hands for a month. It was the pride of knowing that a person of such calibre and high position would care about ordinary people like us.
It also spoke of the humility Mr. Shearer possessed and the attitude of service he carried towards the people he led, irrespective of who they were and where they came from.
The Holiness Christian Church wishes to recognise and applaud Mr. Shearer's life and service as a gift from God to this nation. His memories will never be forgotten and may his legacies inspire all our leaders and aspiring ones to similar humble service. The Holiness Christian Church expresses our deep condolences to his widow Dr. Denise Eldemire Shearer and family.
May his soul rest in Christ Jesus.
I am etc.
W. REUBEN DYER
Bishop
Holmers Christian Church Inc.
Extending deepest
sympathy
THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON BEHALF of the Executive Board and members of the Bermuda Industrial Union, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions on the passing of Mr. Hugh Shearer, the founding president of your esteemed organisation.
I met Brother Shearer during a visit to Jamaica some time ago and I am fully aware of the contribution that he has made to trade unionism in Jamaica in particular, and to the nation of Jamaica in general. As a defender of the rights of the workers of Jamaica, I am certain that many who have come behind Brother Shearer have emulated him and therefore his commitment to trade unionism has not be in vain.
At this time, I would also like to express our sympathy on the passing of another great Jamaican trade unionist, Brother Reg Ennis, general secretary of the Union of Technical and Supervisory Personnel.
We in Bermuda Industrial Union recognise the importance of trade unionism globally and we believe that we must all stand united in defending the rights of all workers on the planet.
I am etc.,
DERRICK BURGESS,
President
A prophetic vision
THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE JAMAICA Manufacturers' Association mourns the untimely passing of the Rt. Hon. Hugh Lawson Shearer, former Prime Minister and trade unionist Extraordinaire. Mr. Shearer has made a significant contribution to the development of the industry in Jamaica and we will forever be in his debt.
In his own prophetic way he foresaw the dangers of globalization both for industry and the Jamaican workers. He was adept with issues such as NAFTA and the impact on local garment sector and the workers at large.
Jamaica has truly lost a treasure in the death of Hugh Lawson Shearer.
THE JAMAICA
MANUFACTURERS'
ASSOCIATION
