Hillview College School Library Media Centre

Happy Labour Day Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹

from National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago

Happy Labour Day from the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago! in 1937, the Butler Oilfield Riots took place in Fyzabad.

On the evening of June 19th 1937, labour activist Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler met with oilfield workers who were on strike over the poor living and working conditions they faced in the oilfields. When police officials attempted to arrest Butler, a battle took place between the workers and the police.

During these riots, fourteen people were killed, fifty-nine wounded and hundreds arrested. In 1972, June 19th became recognized as an annual public holiday—Labour Day—to memorialise these tragic events and those whose lives were lost. Labour Day also commemorates the contributions made by labour activists and organisations to improve labour legislation over the years.

During this early labour movement, workers from various industries came together and mobilised for better living and working conditions. They also raised concerns about who owned and ran these million-dollar industries and where their interests lay.

Under the leadership of prominent figures like Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler, Captain A. A. Cipriani, George Weekes, Elma Francois, Adrian Cola Rienzi, Daisy Crick, Albert Maria Gomes and many more, thousands of workers met, striked and rioted, starting a trade union movement that would last for decades.

This photo shows an excerpt from our exhibition, “Tubal Uriah "Buzz" Butler. The Man and His Times”. To view or download the file, please follow this link:https://natt.gov.tt/sites/default/files/pdfs/ButlerRevisedBoards11June.pdf

In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared a “World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought". Since 2019, it has been known simply as Desertification and Drought Day and is observed on 17 June to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.
https://www.un.org/en/observances/desertification-day

Happy Tuesday 🌅

It's a new week, so we have a new word of the week.
This week's word is paean. Did you know this word?

Let's hear it for our amazing school librarians! 👏👏❤️

World Environment Day is the United Nations' principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. It is celebrated annually on June 5.

The United Nations General Assembly declared June 5 as World Environment Day during the Stockholm Conference in 1972. It was the first world conference to make environmental protection a major issue. The UNEP was established in the same year. World Environment Day was celebrated for the first time in 1973. The first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1973 under the theme 'Only One Earth'.

The theme for World Environment Day 2026 is "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future". Hosted globally by the Republic of Azerbaijan, the campaign operates under the official hashtag and focuses on placing nature at the center of climate resilience and ecosystem protection.


https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day

from Heritage Library Division

The Heritage Library Division invites you to learn more about the history, customs and significance of Corpus Christi and how this observance has become an enduring part of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape.

Corpus Christi in Trinidad and Tobago is more than a religious observance, it is a cherished expression of faith, culture, creativity and community. 🌿✨
From the building of the Seven Altars to the beautiful floral carpets and sacred processions, this tradition continues to unite generations while reflecting the rich cultural heritage of our nation.

Explore and learn more about Corpus Christi observances in Trinidad and Tobago at https://www.nalis.gov.tt/resources/tt-content-guide/corpus-christi/

Can you unscramble the games you might see at the library?