The Labour Spokesman Editorial
It is with much sadness that we observe and record the passing of our dear comrade Batumba Tak, who departed this life on Tuesday last, 25 January 2022. Comrade Tak had been a long serving member of the Labour Movement in general, and of The St Kitts-Nevis Trades And Labour Union in particular. At various times he served as a union worker and organiser, as Assistant Secretary to the late Comrade Fidel O’Flaherty when he was General Secretary, and finally as General Secretary himself.
He had the great fortune to have worked for our Legendary General Secretary, the late Comrade Sir Joseph N France, KCMG, CBE, and was always highly appreciative of that experience. Batumba always said that he learned from Comrade France what it truly meant to be a trade unionist.
Last week the people of St. Kitts and Nevis were reminded of the effectiveness of organised labour. Whenever workers are in any way treated unfairly and decide to stand up for their rights, employers understand the power of such re-actions, and that is why so many of them always seek to thwart such efforts. It is only when workers are determined to be treated fairly that they are respected, and last week’s event illustrates that fact quite clearly.
In remembrance of Comrade Tak, his contribution made over the years in his articles penned under TRADE UNION NEWS, which addressed the importance of the trade union and informed, educated and inspired workers of St. Kitts and Nevis based on his knowledge and experience, is saluted. Comrade Tak is dearly missed as prayers go to our Heavenly Father to grant his soul eternal rest.