Statement by Minister of Labour Colin Jordan on the passing of Bro. Dennis Clarke

I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of Bro. Dennis Clarke, former General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers, an organisation to which he gave over 40 years of service.

The trade union movement in Barbados and the Caribbean has lost a stalwart. Bro. Clarke was direct and straight-forward in his interactions. Even if he did not agree with you, he remained pleasant and professional. He seemed to thrive on being able to argue and prove his point. He believed in advancing the cause of workers in Barbados, and particularly in advancing the cause of workers employed by Government.

Bro. Clarke’s commitment to the cause of the regional trade union movement manifested itself in many ways. He was involved in the Caribbean Public Service Association and was well respected by colleagues in that organisation. He was also well respected by trade unionists across the region. However, his commitment to the regional movement was probably best seen when he took on the responsibility of researching and chronicling the development of trade unionism in the public service across the Caribbean.

I had the honour to have been asked to speak at the launch of the well-written volume he authored titled “Caribbean Public Service Unionism”. This took place in September 2022. His legacy will live on in his work and through that book.

On behalf of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, I extend sincere condolences to his sorrowing relatives, friends, and colleagues.