National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) General Secretary Kenneth Joseph died on Thursday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), after suffering a stroke.
Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) President Norris Witter said Joseph, 65, suffered an attack of stroke on February 1.
Witter said doctors explained that Joseph was bleeding in his head and his attack had a rippling effect on his entire left side, crippling him in his foot and arm.
Both his blood pressure and blood sugar were “very high” and doctors at the GPHC found it difficult to stabilise him.
Apart from being the head of NAACIE, Joseph was an executive member of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) up to the time of his passing.
The labour fraternity feels a deep sense of loss and is grateful for the contributions Joseph has made to the sector, Witter said.
“His passing is really a blow for us at this time. Kenneth Joseph can be considered one of the veterans of the movement. He was a leader with extraordinary passion for the rights of the working people,” Witter told the Guyana Chronicle.
He said Joseph held on to his passion for reconciliation of the labour movement in Guyana to his last breath.
“In a most recent conversation before he fell ill, I sensed his determination in having the movement reconciled. There was this passion, there was this determination for decisive steps to be taken towards reconciliation of the unions,” Witter said.
Joseph, he explained, felt “passionately” that unless the union reconciled their differences, the workers and working people will not be effectively and fully represented and will not be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
“He said the movement unless reunited and have a common focus on vision will not be in a position to effectively pursue its mandate in representing the rights of workers.”
Joseph was also described as a man who had a strong sense of nationhood and who dreamed of unity of the people. It is remarkable that he died as Guyana commemorates its 47th Republic Anniversary.
“He has this burning desire to see Guyana achieving the nationhood in the real sense of the word nationhood,” Witter stated, adding by this he means the country’s motto: “One people, One nation, One destiny.”
Joseph will be missed not only in the labour fraternity in Guyana, but also in the Caribbean and further afield.
Witter extended condolences to the family of Joseph. The veteran trade unionist leaves to mourn his wife and six children.