In this week’s editorial, further tribute is paid to the late 82-year-old Mr. Stanley Franks Jr., MBE, MH, JP of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union (SKNT&LU); the union being owner of newspaper.
Below is the SKNT&LU’s written tribute expressed on the occasion of his funeral service held on Wednesday, 8th November 2023, at the Wesley Methodist Church. Comrade (Cde.) Stanley Franks Jr. often spoke with pride in declaring that he has been involved with the organisation since the 1950s.
Such perfectly encapsulates his years of dedication and passion for the philosophy of the Union in championing the cause of workers here in St. Kitts-Nevis. In sharing stories and giving accounts of events of the past, he made sure to substantiate his knowledge and experience by underscoring his decades of unionism involvement.
His ‘since the 1950s’ recitation poised his resourcefulness and authoritative expertise as one of the longest serving executive committee members which include having served as an officer in the positions of General Secretary and Treasurer during his tenure. Cde.
Stanley was always early to executive meetings and was always FRANKopen, straightforward and direct during discussions. His guidance on the rules of the Union in contributing to the administrative aspect of the
organisation was always useful and welcomed. Even during his time of health challenges, Cde. Stanley made it his business to keep in touch with the happenings of the union. Oftentimes he would stop by the office to get updates and was always willing to take a call to discuss matters.
Most recently in August 2023, Cde. Stanley and General Secretary Precious Mills had a sit-down interview session at the union’s headquarters – at Masses House on Church Street-with Ms. Jewel Wattley of the Labour Department on topic of her educational pursuits for her thesis in Industrial and Employment relations with the University of Turin of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
With the wealth of knowledge and expertise that he possessed, even now as the Union charts a new course ahead for its new term, it is automatic to ponder, ‘What would Cde. Stanley have to say about this topic or situation?’ His physical presence was definitely missed at the Union’s 84th Annual Conference held on Sunday 29th October 2023.
Quite naturally, the theme ‘Protecting the Common Interests of Workers’ would have prompted him to spotlight its significance while recalling past events and sharing future ideas on the topic of keeping the union strong! The Union is indeed eternally grateful for the significant and invaluable contributions that Cde.
Stanley has made over the years. The management and staff of and by extension the SKNT&LU executive committee, further extends condolences to the family of Cde. Stanley Franks Jr.
