The St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU) launched its Wall of Fame on Tuesday evening to recognize leaders past and current.
The presidents who served over the years are – Austin Nurse (deceased), Mike Browne, Yvonne Francis-Gibson (deceased), Joye Browne, Tyrone Burke, Fitz Jones, Otto Sam, Joy Matthews, Elvis Charles, and Oswald Robinson; and the current president is Wendy Bynoe.
The launch took place at Mc Kie’s Hill where the Union’s headquarters is located.
In addressing the ceremony, Bynoe said the SVGTU has inherited a rich legacy over its 100 years of which the members are justly proud. She said several stalwarts have laid the foundation on which members continue to build and the union has taken the time “to recognize some of them in a special way”.
“I refer to those whose selfless service and personal sacrifices have led us through the struggles. I refer to our leaders. Each of them in his or her own way has blazed the trail on which we now travel,” Bynoe said.
The president, who was elected to office this year, said that the Union is seeking to establish the rich history and to pay tribute to the leaders and the establishment of the Wall of Fame is one way to do it.
She that the Wall of Fame is a work in progress, noting that it was a challenge to find an appropriate photograph for each president.
Former president Joy Browne also addressed the ceremony and tributes were done by former president Mike Browne, former General Secretary Philbert ‘P John’ John and trade union stalwart Pa Jack.