51st Anniversary of the ILO Caribbean Office
Message from Dennis Zulu, Director, ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean on the Anniversary of the ILO Caribbean Office
As we observe the 51st anniversary of the opening of the Office, we look forward to a better tomorrow working together as ILO tripartite constituents, the UN family and other partners towards a more resilient and sustainable recovery, which will lead to the achievement of decent work for all in the Caribbean region
20 October 2020
For those of us working for the ILO Office for the Caribbean, the 20th of October each year is always a special day. On this day in 1969, the ILO opened its first office in the Caribbean to work with and to serve its constituents in the pursuit of social justice for all. Unfortunately, this year, the observance of the 51st anniversary of the opening of the Office is being done in circumstances that none of us would have predicted or expected. These circumstances as you know, have been brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond being a health pandemic, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the socio-economic fabric of the countries in the Caribbean region and the world at large. The damage caused to the economies of the Caribbean is unprecedented, and will undoubtedly take many years to rebuild. With tourism being the mainstay of many Caribbean countries, COVID-19 and some of the preventative measures have had an impact on the hospitality sector in the region. We have seen declining tax revenues, numerous business closures and the loss of jobs and livelihoods, especially amongst the youth and women in both the formal and informal economies. We cannot also forget the many lives that have been affected directly by the illness, and also the loss of loved ones arising from COVID-19.
The world of work, as we knew it, not so long ago has been fast tracked into the future of work with very little preparation, as we have seen working from home becoming the norm rather than the exception. Despite these many challenges, the people of the Caribbean have remained resolute in the collective spirit to overcome the devastation and hardship that the pandemic has brought.
In every country, the ILO constituents have risen to the occasion, and taken up the challenge of building back better with unwavering dedication and commitment. We have observed with keen interest in how the workers and employers organizations have taken leadership and work hard to find solutions at mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the affiliates and memberships. Governments equally have taken up the task by quickly putting into place policies and other measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the region. This is how it should be. A success in overcoming COVID-19 will depend on not coming together to fight the common enemy.
Let me also take this opportunity to thank my ILO colleagues who have continued to do what they know best, which is to continue to support the ILO constituents during this very trying period. Despite having also been affected by the challenge that COVID-19 has brought with it their unreserved dedication to duty is totally and truly commendable.
As we observe the 51st anniversary of the opening of the Office, we look forward to a better tomorrow working together as ILO tripartite constituents, the UN family and other partners towards a more resilient and sustainable recovery, which will lead to the achievement of decent work for all in the Caribbean region.
Beyond being a health pandemic, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the socio-economic fabric of the countries in the Caribbean region and the world at large. The damage caused to the economies of the Caribbean is unprecedented, and will undoubtedly take many years to rebuild. With tourism being the mainstay of many Caribbean countries, COVID-19 and some of the preventative measures have had an impact on the hospitality sector in the region. We have seen declining tax revenues, numerous business closures and the loss of jobs and livelihoods, especially amongst the youth and women in both the formal and informal economies. We cannot also forget the many lives that have been affected directly by the illness, and also the loss of loved ones arising from COVID-19.
The world of work, as we knew it, not so long ago has been fast tracked into the future of work with very little preparation, as we have seen working from home becoming the norm rather than the exception. Despite these many challenges, the people of the Caribbean have remained resolute in the collective spirit to overcome the devastation and hardship that the pandemic has brought.
In every country, the ILO constituents have risen to the occasion, and taken up the challenge of building back better with unwavering dedication and commitment. We have observed with keen interest in how the workers and employers organizations have taken leadership and work hard to find solutions at mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the affiliates and memberships. Governments equally have taken up the task by quickly putting into place policies and other measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the region. This is how it should be. A success in overcoming COVID-19 will depend on not coming together to fight the common enemy.
Let me also take this opportunity to thank my ILO colleagues who have continued to do what they know best, which is to continue to support the ILO constituents during this very trying period. Despite having also been affected by the challenge that COVID-19 has brought with it their unreserved dedication to duty is totally and truly commendable.
As we observe the 51st anniversary of the opening of the Office, we look forward to a better tomorrow working together as ILO tripartite constituents, the UN family and other partners towards a more resilient and sustainable recovery, which will lead to the achievement of decent work for all in the Caribbean region.