At the 85th-anniversary awards ceremony and luncheon organized by the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), Ambassador Wigley George was recognized with a special award, along with two other individuals.

With an impressive record of 46 years of service to the union, Ambassador George has played an outstanding role in its growth and development.

Notably, he served as the union’s president for 29 years, surpassing the record set by the iconic leader of the Union, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird.

Bernard DeNully, the current President of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), recently spoke about the immense contribution made by Ambassador Wigley George to the union.

He said Ambassador George’s unwavering commitment and dedication to the union have made him a legend and a source of inspiration to generations of union member

DeNully described George as a mentor and praised him for his many years of service. He went on to describe George as a true giant of a man, who undoubtedly deserves to be recognized in the history books as a man of service to his country.

With an impressive 46 years of service to the AT&LU, and 29 of those years spent as President of the union, Comrade George’s name is one that is well known and respected throughout the region, he said

DeNully also revealed that George had taken him under his wing when he was first elected to the executive of the AT&LU.

George shared his vast experience as a union representative, mentoring DeNully and guiding him to become the leader he is today.

For his exceptional work for and on behalf of the AT&LU, Ambassador George was presented with the President’s Award.

This is a testament to the dedication and hard work that George has put into the union over the years.

The AT&LU General Secretary also presented an award to Harold Carter, the last surviving member of the Group of 12 men who took strike action in 1951.

These men were imprisoned for their actions, and Carter’s survival to this day means that he is the last surviving hero and stalwart of one of the most historic strike actions and demonstrations of workers’ resolve and sacrifice in the history of the nation.

This award is a fitting tribute to Carter and the sacrifice he made for the betterment of workers

Senator Mary-Clare Hurst, who serves as the General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party was also honoured.

The literature highlighted her accomplishments as a senator and Leader of Government Business in the Upper House, as well as her appointment as the first female chairperson of the Antigua Port Authority.

During her tenure, Senator Hurst led the port re-development project and initiated the necessary human resource development to keep up with the transformation and continued execution of the strategic development of the port as a major player in regional sea transportation services.

The event was held at People’s Place on Nugent Avenue, which is the headquarters of the ABLP.

The theme of the anniversary was ‘Embracing the past as we create a future building on 85 years of dedication, sacrifice, and service.’he ABLP.