NUPW members told to use their positions to effect change

Members of the National Union of Public Workers have been challenged to stop wasting time and to take advantage of the fact that they are sitting in privileged positions to effect change.

Speaking during a Church Service to mark the start of the National Union of Public Workers Week, Senior Pastor of Calvary Moravian Church in Roebuck Street, Bridgetown, Reverend Dr Adrian Smith threw out that challenge to members.

“Stop wasting God’s time.Can I caution us to not only stop wasting God’s time but stop wasting the time of those of us who care … today we are not only wasting God’s time but we are wasting the time of the people who invested in us. We are wasting the time of the people who love us. We are wasting the time of the people who see the potential in us and can’t wait for us to get back to our senses, to maximise our potential to step up and step out. Stop allowing people to stop you from doing what God said to do…”

Reverend Smith recalled the time where workers operating in leadership positions were those who were of a fairer complexion. He cautioned NUPW workers and leaders to not waste the time of the people who sacrificed for the advancement of the working class.

“We  too often forget that this nation is coming out of a season where people of a certain skin colour could not access certain jobs. We are too often forgetting that some of us of a particular colour were not allowed to sit at a particular table in this country. We are too often forgetting where we have come from and the sacrifices that have been made. National Union of Public Workers you didn’t start the union but you are standing on the backs of many whose names may not be remembered but they made a sacrifice so that the union could be standing today. I urge you to not waste the time of people who care.”

He spoke directly to President Kimberly Agard, telling her that it was God’s purpose for her life to take the top post.

“Some of you have been strategically placed. Some of you have been divinely appointed or ordained. Madam President I don’t understand or know all of the intricacies that went on with the election but let me tell you this my sister, if God didn’t want you to be President you would not be. So it does not matter what the rhetoric or the narrative is out there you have a privileged position for such a time as this. So, God expects production,” he encouraged.

The Reverend cautioned leaders to stop making so many excuses.

“We pass on, we deflect, we push aside but we don’t take the responsibility that says while I am in this privileged position in the property of God, I will produce…”

While referencing Luke Chapter 13:9, Reverend Smith said that the master in the parable came looking for fruit and so managers and supervisors are looking for those in favoured positions to produce.

“Members of the National Union of Public Workers, as you celebrate Public Workers Week, your theme is Labour Challenges Confronting the Economic,  Social and Climate Changes in This Era and Beyond. It is, in my estimation, a call that requires and demands action now. It is a call brothers and sisters for there is no doubt in this island of Barbados that we face tremendous economic challenges. Many are still reacting and refuting the budget but the truth is that the cost of living has gone up and it will continue to go up.”

President Agard in her brief address said that her union is one built on solidarity, family and faith despite the trials and tribulations recently. (MR)