At a Thanksgiving Service held at the Critchlow Labour College Auditorium named after Pollydore, the veteran trade unionist was eulogised and hailed alternately as a warrior and peacemaker, a giant of a man in the Trade Union Movement, and a tireless fighter for the rights of workers.

President Bharrat Jagdeo also attended the funeral. Friday, he paid tribute to Pollydore and hailed the outstanding role he played in the local trade union movement.

He was also the founder-member and General Secretary of the then Transport and General Workers Union and later General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC).

Among his many achievements, Mr.Pollydore was awarded the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) and the Order of Roraima (OR).

Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Dale Bisnauth conveyed his sympathy on behalf of the Government, President and Cabinet to all those who mourned the passing of Joseph Henry Pollydore.

Bisnauth described Pollydore as “a giant of a man in the Trade Union Movement” and noted that “his place in history was ensured”.

“He has left a monumental legacy that will be a difficult and challenging act to follow”.

He was described as a “gentleman trade unionist” that approached his work with integrity and fairness.

According to the Labour Minister, the country as a whole can benefit from the life and works of Mr. Pollydore.

Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Robert Corbin, noted that farewell was being said to “a fighter in the cause of the working people”.

According to the Opposition leader, Guyana has gained from the contribution of a dedicated, committed and humble person although they lost a union leader.

Corbin said Pollydore who started from humble beginnings fought both friend and foe in order to achieve the rights of workers.

He was also well respected for his negotiating tactics and was referred to as the “Caribbean fox” around the Caribbean.

The shining examples of the “fearless lion” and “outstanding son of the soil” should be emulated in the lives of those who follow his footsteps, Corbin noted.

“Today we bade farewell to an icon, warrior, patriot and also a peacemaker, a combination that is so rare to find in a man today,” said Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Hamilton Green.

Green noted that the passing of the union leader “leaves a void in society that is crying for men with integrity and a passion to do what is right to fill.”

He was an “indestructible component” who had an awesome influence on the Government, management and Trade Union Movement.

Executive Director, Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry, Mr. David Yankanna described Pollydore as a person who devoted his life to the development of harmonious relationship through human efforts.

He noted that as far back as 1919, Pollydore was fighting for social justice, human rights and workers struggle.

According to Attorney-at-Law Ashton Chase, “words are inadequate to recall the high esteem in which he (Pollydore) was held.”

He said he hoped that a fitting memorial will be held in honour of this “stallion” who will be laid to rest.

“At every level in every field, he championed the cause of workers and made everyone proud. It was because of his representation that numerous benefits for workers were achieved”

He was also described as a “family man”, who despite his intense involvement in the work of Trade Unions, also found time for his family.

“Be consoled, he has done his part and done it well. He has left a legacy that all can be proud of,” chase said

Caribbean Congress of Labour representative, Mr. George DePeana noted that Pollydore pursued his job with vigor, dedication and determination.

“He has left giant footprints; it is for those of us who care to use it as markers to emulate the works of this great man”.

General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress Mr. Lincoln Lewis noted that the great statesman “emerged when labour was at the forefront of Regional struggle.”

“It was when they were expected to deliver workers from the bondage of colonial masters and Polly rose to the occasion.”

Throughout his life he fought for workers rights and never defended any Government

He referred to 1929 when Pollydore was asked whether the union was united or divided and he replied “it depends on the issue, if it borders politics, then we are divided, if it borders bread and butter, then we are united.”

He urged all trade union members to emulate the Works of Pollydore “and they will understand where their interest ought to lie.”

The eulogy was done by Mr. Oscar Moore, a trade unionist who noted that “this great son of our native land whom we respectively addressed as ‘daddy’, ‘uncle joe’, ‘Comrade Pollydore’, ‘Polly’, and the ‘Caribbean Fox’ died at the ripe age of ninety-four.

Joseph Henry Pollydore was born at Cathrineville, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara to Nahomi and John Pollydore and was the fifth of six children.

According to Moore, Pollydore lived eighty-two years longer than was anticipated by his parents since he was diagnosed with “Bright’s disease” at the tender age of twelve.

He married Priscilla Eastman in 1943 until 1995 when she died.

The Pollydores adopted six children because their union was not blessed with any.