THE EDITOR, Madam:
THIS IS in response to Martin Henry's article -'Is the JUTC a PNP-affiliate?'
Martin Henry is a dear friend of mine. As post-graduate students reading for the Master's Degree at the UWI, we had many discussions on various subjects. I was always impressed by his penchant for scientific inquiry.
After reading his article however I must conclude that my friend has abandoned all the tenets of empirical research and has succumbed to the emotional expressions, meaningless platitudes and journalistic innuendoes to which third-rate newspaper columnists are prone.
How then can one explain his using Danny Roberts' outburst to condemn the BITU and all political affiliated trade unions? Forming a general conclusion from a specific instance, Martin, is very uncharacteristic of you!
What evidence have you unearthed to establish that any existing functionary of the BITU has ever engaged in any act of political vulgarity?
The fact is that the BITU is an unapologetic affiliate of the JLP (the JLP is not an arm of the BITU as your article states). We support the policies of the JLP where such policies redound to the good of our people and our country. We in the BITU do not prostitute our principles and convictions upon the altar of political expediency.
A little research Martin would establish this beyond peradventure of doubt. In 1985, the major Jamaican trade unions challenged the Seaga-led Government policies. Ruddy Spencer, a senior BITU functionary, was most expressive of the union's solidarity.
In the same year the JLP Government sought to enact a new Fire Brigade Act restricting trade union membership in the Fire Services. Hansard will show that as a JLP-appointed member of the Senate Dwight Nelson objected to and voted against the new law. Members of the JLP will tell you that BITU members of the party's decision-making machinery do not instinctively salivate at the ringing of the bell.
You ask, "what is the BITU up to in these desperate times for the JLP to which it gave birth". The BITU supports the JLP. It remains convinced that the country needs the JLP now more than ever.
Having read Danny Roberts' statement, Minister Dean Peart's corroboration , and Minister Peter Phillips' comical attempt at damage control, it is clear that the level of moral depravity to which this Government has been reduced could never have happened under a JLP Government.
Do you recall the JLP's slogan in the face of its massive victory in 1980 - "change without chaos and malice towards none". It could have done far worse than the PNP is doing now. In 1983 when its mandate was unchallenged, it put country first. It did not engage in the purging of those public sector employees who supported the PNP.
Instead it sought to harness the skills of every one. There are many in the JLP who remain convinced that those PNP supporters who remained were responsible for the undermining and ultimate defeat of Edward Seaga.
The BITU will continue to defend the JLP's platform of morality, integrity, honesty and transparency. We might not beat our chests like Roberts but will continue to lend solid support.
You insultingly impute that the union is "trying to bring down the PNP Government". My gut reaction is to treat this assertion with the contempt it deserves but so as to satisfy those readers who might not be aware let me ask can you recall any action by the Union's esteemed treasurer and national inspiration, Lady Bustamante, which might be regarded as anti-government?
Our President-General and pillar of nationalism The Rt. Hon Hugh Lawson Shearer continues to lend his expertise and unrivalled experience in the fields of foreign affairs and foreign trade, labour and industrial relations to the present Government. Ask the Prime Minister! Ask Minister Anthony Hylton! Ask Minister Omar Davies! Ask Minister Donald Buchanan! Ask Minister Portia Simpson-Miller.
Our General-Secretary George Fyffe is a valued member of Minister Hylton's foreign trade team meeting regularly each week. Dwight Nelson sits as a member of the Government's National Planning Committee, Everrod Williams sits as a member of the National Labour Advisory Council. Wycliffe Matthews, asst. island supervisor, lends his expertise to the overseas employment programme. Have you listened to Pearnel Charles as a radio talk show host? Are you not impressed by his impartiality?
Does this seem like a team of people "surreptitiously manipulating to bring down the PNP Government" as you infer? Come on, Martin, you are capable of more objective writing. Space will not permit me to address the final five paragraphs of your article. Suffice it for me to state that the assertions made therein are all baseless and will certainly form the basis of another letter from me to this newspaper.
I am etc.,
DWIGHT A. NELSON O.D.
E-mail:
bitu@cwjamaica.com
Vice President, BITU
Via Go-Jamaica
