On Saturday, June 24, 2023 during the Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers’ Triennial Congress, Mrs. Helene Davis-Whyte was re-elected unopposed as General Secretary of the Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers (JALGO), the trade union she has been leading since 1995.
Davis-Whyte has been the only female to lead the institution in its 83-year history and has vowed to continue the work that, in its entirety, seeks greater protection of workers’ rights in the continuingly changing world of work.
The rest of the officers were re-elected unopposed with Winnifred Meeks remaining as president, Barrington Parsons as second vice president, George Brown as third vice president, Donna Robotham as Assistant General Secretary and Melode Barnes as Treasurer.
There were however changes to the officer core with Shamir Brown, formerly fourth vice president, being elected as the first vice president, replacing Seymour Watson, who did not seek re-election to the post. Desrick Brown was then elected to the post of fourth vice president.
The Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers is a trade union that mainly represents workers in the field of local government, healthcare, and education. These organizations include the National Water Commission, Jamaica Fire Brigade, National Irrigation Commission, Municipal Corporations, Schools, Health Departments and Health Centres. Davis- Whyte in addressing the constituents remarked that, “There is a lot more to do and we are committed to ensure that we not only positively impact our members but their families and individuals in society. Workers are the backbone of every society, and we must make sure that they are able to carry out the work that makes societies function”.
Davis-Whyte expressed that the team stands committed to working on several important areas and issues as part of their focus over the next three years. “There are a number of areas that we have in focus such as the issue of Climate Change and Climate Justice, Tax Justice, a Just Transition, OSHA et. al that have or will have a major impact on workers and the workplace. JALGO must ensure that workers are protected in all scenarios Davis Whyte emphasized.