Referring to Pollydore’s vision in the late 1930s, Carrington said as the Caribbean in very different but equally challenging times, within the context of globalisation, pursues a CARICOM workforce without barriers, “we must give some credit to the early work done by stalwarts like Pollydore.”

He made the point in a message on the passing of the stalwart, who was laid to rest in Georgetown yesterday.

Carrington said Pollydore stands high among those who were bold enough to challenge the future and set a different course for history and quality of life for masses of Caribbean citizens.

This was at a time when workers’ rights were rationed like privileges.

Carrington said it was under men like Pollydore that trade unions began to shape the future of Caribbean politics and its people’s expectations in a time of severe social and economic challenge in the late 1930s.

“Indeed, the 1930s threw up some of the most ardent voices ever to serve Caribbean proletariat interests, preaching the politics of inclusion, benefits of organisation and a message of strength in unity,” Carrington noted.

He added, “these were special times requiring men of vision and substance…”.

For over half a century, reaching even beyond his generation, the unswerving trade unionist, with constant dedication and uncanny negotiating capacity, led and inspired the labour movement in Guyana with distinction, he recalled.

“It indeed earned him his own non-contestable place among the region’s finest and most respected,” Carrington said.