Tensions flared during the funeral service of trade unionist and People’s National Movement (PNM) supporter Ainsley Matthews yesterday, where there were numerous verbal clashes between trade union members and government supporters.
Joint Trade Union Movement president general Ancel Roget and National Trade Union Centre general secretary Michael Annisette in particular offended some members of the congregation with their anti-government comments during their tribute to Matthews.
However, despite their differing views, union leaders and politicians agreed that Matthews, 70, was a remarkable man who fought for the “small man,” country and the union movement.
Matthews’ send-off was in true union style, with the banner of the Contractors and General Worker s’ Trade Union (CGWTU), which Matthews led for many years, on the display at The First Church of the Open Bible in San Fernando. Union songs were sung and a cultural tribute in the form of a Carnival-like street procession, incorporating mas characters and music blaring from a truck, was also done in his honour.
In his tribute, which he began with “No retreat, no surrender,” Roget said Matthews always put the union before party.
“When it comes to the workers’ issues, trade union business, defending the small man, party take second place. And that is what struck me about the comrade. Because there are those who put party before country, who put party before union,” Roget said.
Roget said they could pay the greatest tribute to Matthews, who gave his life to trade union movement, by taking a page out of his book. He promised to honour one of Matthews’ dying wishes for unity among trade unions.
“Because of the fights that we have on our hands now and because of his beloved party, because of his overwhelming love for his union, I feel sure that he would have been saddened to see how his party is attacking the trade union movement that he supports.”
This remark caused an uproar by PNM loyalists in the crowd.
Roget was followed by Annisette, who said Matthews expressed deep reservations about how the Government was doing things and treating with labour. He said Matthews was also concerned that union representatives were taken off most of the boards. He said Matthews stood on principle and politicians would do well to follow his example.
Responding to a member of the congregation who shouted, “Great is the PNM and they shall prevail,” he said, “The greatest, as the Bible says, is when you serve the people and not the one per cent. The greatest, as the Bible says, is that the working class is the people of God, that when you send home 5,000 people you are destroying the children of God and at some time you will face the wrath of the Heavenly Father.”
Remembering Matthews as a cultural ambassador, National Carnival Bands Association vice president David Lopez said Matthews faced many challenges but never wavered in representing people. Bashing those who hold on to office and position, he said Matthews was an example of a true representative of the people.
Former government minister and mother of Attorney General Al-Rawi, Diane Seukeran, his good friend, said he was a remarkable and strategic thinking man.
“Shaka (Matthews) had no dilemma in straddling the People’s National Movement and the trade union movement. He had the good sense to know that you don’t divide, you come together and use your strategic influence.”
To the trade unionists, she said the unions, as is the country, are facing difficult times and we must be practical, pragmatic and find a way forward for the betterment of the country.
Matthews’ brother Garnet said Matthews was a God-fearing man, a deacon, sportsman and a philanthropist. Among those attending the funeral were San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello and Labour Minister Jennifer Baptiste-Primus.