By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday 9th February 2022) — Many persons from all walks of life gathered at the Zion Moravian Church on Victoria Road in Basseterre on Monday 7th February 2022 for the funeral service of the immediate past General Secretary of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades & Labour Union (SKNT&LU), 68-year-old Batumba Lamumba Omowale Tak, who had served in that capacity for over 14 years. Tak’s eulogy was delivered by his friend and former neighbour Glenroy Blanchette, who said he “was consumed by the business of the Union because he wanted to serve workers.”
Blanchette recounted that Tak’s love affair with the Union began officially in the 1990s, starting at Masses House as an assistant in the Printery during the daytime and as a part-time Press Operator at nights. He became a Union Field Officer, was elected Assistant General Secretary in 2001 after Fidel O’Flaherty passed away, and was elected General Secretary in 2003, holding that post until 2019 when he was succeeded by Precious Mills. As General Secretary he was instrumental in shaping the Union’s policy and advocacy, signed several collective bargaining agreements, and signed a Tripartite Agreement on the Decent Work Programme for St. Kitts and Nevis in 2010. He became a regular columnist in the Labour Spokesman, educating workers on their rights.
Among those in attendance from the SKNT&LU family were executive committee members including First Vice President Micheleina Charles-Hazelle, General Secretary Precious Mills, and Assistant Secretary Curtis Francis. Parliamentary Opposition Leader Dr. Denzil Douglas and SKNLP new leader Dr. Terrance Drew also paid their final respects to Tak. A tribute song was performed by the East Basseterre Labour Party Branch. Interment was held at the Springfield Cemetery.