Nelerene “Nell” Harding
THE National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas yesterday paid tribute to “trade unionist extraordinaire” Nelerene “Nell” Harding.
“The trade union movement in The Bahamas has lost a giant of a woman and trade unionist,” the press statement said.
“We salute her today for the many contributions she has made to the growth and development of Bahamasair, the Credit Union, AAAWU, NCTUB, the trade Union movement, the people of the Bahamas and our country as a whole. Sister Nelerene Harding’s life and work will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of all Bahamasair employees, management, trade unionists, government officials and should be recorded in the history of our nation.”
Mrs. Harding, 52, died last week.
“This outstanding trade unionist has served the trade union movement for over thirty years with excellence,” the statement continued.
“Nell came up through the ranks of the movement serving as AAAWU Shop Steward for the Flight Attendants, Trustee, and Treasurer, becoming President in 2003 and served with distinction until her passing.
“As President of AAAWU, she also served on the Board of the Bahamasair Employees Provident Fund, the Board of the National Worker’s Cooperative Credit Union and on the Panel to interview Flight Attendants.”
It continued: “Through being a member of the Provident Fund she became a Master Trustee completing various courses in Canada and the USA. In the Congress she served with excellence as the Assistant Treasurer and Third Vice President of the National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB) until her death.”
“Always one who was willing to assist and lend a listening ear, Nelerene exemplified all of the ideals of a model trade unionist. She was short in stature but a mighty force to reckon with when you sat across the table from her. Sister Harding never raised her voice in any discussions but quietly, succinctly, knowledgeably, concisely and expertly advanced her thoughts.”
The statement added: “The trade union movement has lost a great champion and our nation has indeed lost another soldier. Nelerene ‘Nell’ has fought a good fight, she has finished her course, and she has kept the faith.”
Former Minister of Labour and Social Development Dion Foulkes also expressed condolences on the death of Mrs. Harding, to whom he referred as a “dynamic and vibrant personality”.
“She was passionate about and worked tirelessly to ensure the needs of workers in general and in particular the members of the AAWU. I recall how tough but reasonable she was at the negotiation table,” Mr. Foulkes said.
“Nelerene was a Bahamian patriot. She will be missed by her family, the staff of Bahamasair and Nassau Flight Services, the labour movement and the nation.”
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