09/09/2026
SOLIDARITY AND CONGRATULATIONS
To Comrade Debbie Ottley, first female President of BIGWU.
The Executive Board of the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) extends its warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to Comrade Debbie Ottley on her election to the Presidency of the Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU).
Comrade Debbie, your elevation to the Presidency represents both a significant personal achievement and an important moment for the wider Trade Union Movement. Leadership in our movement is not merely about holding office, it is about accepting the responsibility to defend workers, advance social justice, speak courageously on matters affecting labour, and preserve the principles of solidarity upon which Trade Unionism was built.
The CWU welcomes the opportunity to continue and strengthen the longstanding working relationship between CWU and BIGWU, particularly at a time when organised labour must remain united in confronting the evolving challenges facing workers and their families.
As a sister Trade Unionist and now President of BIGWU, we wish you strength, wisdom, courage and tremendous success as you undertake the responsibilities entrusted to you by the membership.
The Executive Board, officers and membership of the Communication Workers’ Union stand in solidarity and fraternity with you and the entire BIGWU family.
May your Presidency be distinguished by principled leadership, progressive representation and an unwavering commitment to the working class.
Congratulations, Sister Debbie!
When one Union advances, the Labour Movement advances.
When workers stand together, our collective voice becomes stronger.
In Unity and Solidarity,
Joanne Ogeer
Secretary General
Communication Workers’ Union (CWU)
Trinidad and Tobago