The passing of our dear friend and trade union colleague, reminds us of the unselfish service that one labour individual and leader, undertakes on behalf of working colleagues.

The effort often appears thankless….but is done out of a genuine belief…of sharing ones time and talent, on behalf of those who really need it.

Unfortunately, there are so many, who do not fully appreciate the role and benefits of a trade union….particularly in an environment when the balance of power tends to be not tilted but bent on and in the direction of the employer.

Additionally, as we approach Labour Day, we should spend some quiet moments reflecting on how many benefits that were obtained, as a result of the hard fight of so many unsung trade unionists.

The president of the AAAWU, Nelerine Harding was such a leader.

If you really knew her, you would know, and not have to be reminded that she would always be prepared to take up a cause on behalf of….not only her union members, but workers everywhere.

For those in the sporting world, particularly track and field and swimming, we have lost an ardent supporter.

It is an unknown fact that over the many years, Bahamasair has been providing charter services……commuting the swimming and track and field team to its annual pilgrimage, to the Carifta Games.

In this regard, the pilots and flight attendants are the last to bid the team farewell and good luck….and then welcome them after competition…as the teams headed for home.

Ironically, our departed sister Nelerine was a part of the flight crew, as the senior flight attendant, that brought Team Bahamas back home from Grenada this past March.

As we celebrate her life, we are challenged to genuinely go the extra mile in defending or encouraging our fellowman……in whatever way we can.

May her warrior soul rest in peace.

She will surely be missed by the sporting community…as well as the trade union movement.