SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2001 (Click on a link below to read the article)
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Solomon-Freeman Expresses Thanks on Bid for 3rd Vice-Presidency |
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President’s Report: Thanks For The Memories
During my tenure we tried to keep the rank and file informed of the affairs of the federation. There is hardly another organization which holds well run meetings with a wide and varied agenda in comparison with our local. Throughout the years we managed to build upon the success of our founding fathers who layed down the basic structure of this great union. I shall always remember the efforts of Hugo Dennis, Rosemarie Galiber, Alice Bryne, Oswin Sewer, Jureen Todman and so many others who I watched and learned from during my earlier years as a building representative, first vice president and field representative.
One of the duties I lived for was negotiations. The adrenal would flow inside of me just thinking of the challenges our team would have to face at the negotiating table.
I really tried to build a strong building representative council because this body is really the heart and soul of any union structure. There were times when it was necessary to visit schools/activity centers to recruit reps because there were no members who were interesting in serving the union in said capacity. Imagine the feelings of joy when a recruit evolved into a union strike captain, senior building representative or union officer. During the earlier years the membership was more intimate with each other. These were the years of the great civil rights era and the entire world was dealing with changing the great wrongs which were being perpetrated against minorities, the moral majority and emerging countries of the third world. It was easier to motivate members to engage in civil disobedience and the labor movement benefited from this period.
I shall always be in debt to the AFT for affording me the opportunity to serve as your leader for 10 consecutive terms. At times we received severe criticisms and were held accountable for issues beyond our control. But, the captain of any team must be willing to accept fault and responsibility whenever the fans are displeased with outcomes which can be real or imagined. There were difficult times and moments of sadness but the accomplishments we made are many and will serve as our commitment to this organization. My decision to seek a seat in the 24 legislature would not have been made if I knew that members would have voted to go on strike. Looking backwards, I can safely say that I should have listened to the advise of some of my union buddies. Hopefully, I am wiser and better off as a person for the lessons learned.
There will be difficult days ahead for our union. The struggle for a decent standard of life in this territory for workers in the government private sector must never cease. and as usual, it will be the AFT who will continue to be the vanguard of the VI labor movement. The recent strike proved that there are new leaders, in this union, rising to the top like larva flowing out of a volcano bringing heat to the surface. in closing, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve the members of both AFT locals in this territory. The challenges were great, the struggles were difficult but the rewards were many. No matter where the roads may lead," I will always love you".
List of Accomplishments during the Career of President Smith
FEDDY AWARDS
AFT speaks Radio Show
Monthly newsletter Drumbeat
AFT Annual Scholarship
The formalization of COPE
The Hugo Dennis Leadership Award
The Rosemarie Galiber Longevity Award
Purchase sugar estate property
Hosting of VI Quiz Bowl
Annual Mini-Quest Conference (longest running in the National AFT)
Financial Management of Union Assets/Portfolio
The upgrading of Paras/Support Staff to Vice Presidents
Formation of AFT retiree chapter
AFT Local 1825 Web site
First contract under the Farrelly-Hodge Administration
Our won-loss ratio in grievances, arbitration, unit clarification hearings, and unfair labor practices charges
Hurricane Assistance given to members
Annual UVI highest grade point Award
Providing each member with a photo id
Local discount Program
Monthly distribution of our local
The honor of being arrested at government house during the Farrelly administration, served with the most restraining restraining orders and being manhandled by Gov. Schneider body body guard at the OMB office
A grievance was filed in December 2000 where a principal exerted undue pressure on Mr. Levi Farrell to change a student’s grade. The student who was dissatisfied with the grade received convinced the principal that he/she was unfairly treated. The principal acted to change the grade without the support of any factual evidence such as the grade book and without any input from Mr. Farrell.
The Commissioner ruled that there was not sufficient factual basis to support the changing of the student’s grade. Further, the Commissioner was persuaded that Mr. Farrell acted in a fair manner with all the students and that there was no basis for his disparate treatment of this student in particular.
AFT Annual Scholarships Awarded
Tashema Clarke and Coujoe Jacobs of Charlotte Amalie High School and Jeune Hawley and Jomo Richardson of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School all received $500.00 scholarship to assist with their college expenses.
Tashema Clarke intends to pursue a bachelor of science in physics and become a physician or health care professional. She has been accepted to the University of the Virgin Islands. Coujoe Jacobs intends to pursue the electrical engineering field and plans on opening an electrical engineering firm. Mr. Jacobs has been accepted to University of North Carolina and Monroe College. Jeune Hawley intends to study mass communication and become a television/radio broadcaster. She also plans to open a world recognized TV station on St. Thomas. Mr. Richardson plans to study computer engineering and open his computer business primarily wiring buildings for computer readiness. Mr. Richardson has been accepted to the University of Miami, and Moorehouse College.
The Finance committee chaired by Vice President Lockhart made the recommendations after reviewing the applications.
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DATE: October 19, 2001 PLACE: Marriott’s Frenchman Reef Guest Speaker: Rosalyn LaRocque, Former AFT LOCAL 1826 ER&D Coordinator, AFT Assistant Director Educational Issues Stay Tuned for More Details!!! |
Sprauve Students Participate in Black History Contest
Six Julius Sprauve students received cash awards ranging from $5.00 to $25.00 for participating in their school black history contest. The cash award was an incentive to propel them to reach greater heights. The participants were:
Ticoya Adams - $25.00
Kishana Liburd - 20.00
Channel Hector - 10.00
Alexander Ferdinand- 5.00
Marilyn Callwood - 5.00
Kathleen Wilson expressed thanks to the AFT for the opportunity to attend the workshop entitled “Mistakes Free Grammar & Proofreading” on May 1, 2001 in San Juan Puerto Rico. ”The workshop was very informative and outlined the correct usage of grammar and the common types of error looked for in proofreading daily tasks. This workshop has enhanced my skill strategies. Once again, thanks for the unexpected opportunity to attend the workshop,”stated Ms. Wilson.
Union Representative Public Relations Chair Bids Goodbye
After 32 years of service as a member Local 1825 Delores Thomas finally hands the torch over for others to carry. Delores said, “The fire of the torch will not completely be out.” She intends to fight side by side with members until teachers, paraprofessional, and support staff get what is rightfully theirs. Delores also indicates the she would like the retirees chapter of Local 1825 to become a reality.
Ms. Thomas indicates that AFT has served the educational system well. As a long time member she is extremely proud of AFT’s many accomplishments. She wishes all blessings to all members during their struggle for quality education. She emphasized they must stay united, “In Unity There is Strength.”
Solomon-Freeman Expresses Thanks on Bid for 3rd Vice Presidency
Dear Fellow AFT Members:
I sincerely thank those 270 members who gave me their vote of confidence in my recent bid to be the 3rd Vice President of AFT. To my fellow competitor, Roi Simmonds, I say congratulations on being elected to the office of 3rd Vice President. Congratulations also to those who were able to retain or capture a seat as an officer or who have been reelected or elected as a Building Representative. It is indeed an honor to be elected to serve on behalf of the members of AFT.
As we move forward, let us always strive to serve the best interest of our members.
Unionism Always,
Yvonne S. Freeman
Joseph Gomez School
Contract is Your Bible While in the School
Don’t take that little blue book for granted. Your contract is the book that you must learn to live by while you are in school. Don’t just put it away in a drawer and use it only when you have problems. Review your contract regularly. Make sure you report to your Union Representative any problems that you might think is a violation. Your new contract should be in your hands shortly. Please use it!
Teachers Still Leaving For More Lucrative Offers
The Virgin Islands School System will discover that when they re-open in August they will be shorthanded. Many teachers, are heading in the direction where they don’t have to live from pay check to pay check. Virgin Islands wake up and realize what other communities have recognized, teachers are valuable and much sought after resources.
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August 13-17- ER&D
Workshops, Ivanna Eudora Kean School 9:00-4:00 pm. Workshops
March
Drumbeat Please take some
time to fill out the AFT survey.
You can print it and turn it in to your Building Representative or the AFT
office.
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