Introduction

The people and events which formed the nationalist movement of the 1940’s and 1950’s had a profound and poignant impact on the making of modern Belize. Much has been said and written of several characters of that time period – in particular, George Price and Philip Goldson who continued to make a name for themselves in Belizean politics. But of one unsung hero of that time period – Nicholas Pollard, Sr. whose leadership, oratory, passion, charisma, vision and love for his country and people contributed immensely to the development of modern Belize – the consequent political climate has mired his unselfish sacrifice for his country.

With a Belizean heritage of almost 200 years (his great grandfather was a Frenchman who migrated to Belize in the early 1800’s and became an inspector of police), Nick Pollard was a young visionary during a time of British colonialism – a government rule that restricted the rights, privileges and self-determination of Belizean citizens. In that colonialist backdrop, Pollard saw the plight of the Belizean worker – he witnessed firsthand employees getting fired or not being paid for being sick or getting hurt on the job. Pollard undertook the plight of the Belizean worker and became both a national and international leader in trade unionism. Ironically, his trade union support provided the foundation for the success of the People’s United Party and its leadership – the same party and leadership that worked for his political demise. And while he may not have been rewarded in this life for his contributions to Belize, his living legacy will always bring honor to his country and his name.

The purpose of this website is to bring to light the life and works of Nick Pollard, Sr. for the benefit of Belize – its people and its history.

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Brief History of Trade Union

On the 28th of April, 1950 at Thistle Hall, Clifford E. Betson and his seven-year old union, The British Honduras General Workers Union, B.H.G.W.U., was ousted and replaced by new president, Nicholas Pollard, Sr., vice-president, John A. Smith and Clifford Betson. Other nominees were James Middleton, Robert Panton and Henry Jex. There were fifty-two delegates that cast their votes. At that time the union had a membership of some 2,000 workers. Following his defeat, General Secretary Henry A. Middleton warned his audience of the damage that had been crafted: “Be careful,” he said, “Flowery speeches was not all. It was the duty of the Union to elect men who are conscientious and to avoid electing “men who can be bought for a few dollars.” (source: The Daily Clarion, No. 96, Sat. April 29, 1950) The BHGWU was formed in 1943 and registered under the Trade Union Ordinance on the 13th May, 1943. Other members were James E. Osling, Obadiah Trapp, Robert H. Panton and Council members, Samuel Hepburn, T.O. Cherrington, Christopher Card and a co-founder of the union, shipwright Burton V. Locke. (Source: union’s handbook) These heroes’ names are an honourable mention. In his book, Dr. Grant describes the events leading up to the take over of the union and provided this comment:

“The political leaders had assumed control of the G.W.U., not only for its organizational value in the districts but perhaps more important because they believed that industrial objectives could be more effectively pursued by political means. As the union gained strength, it was increasingly dominated by politicians.” (Grant: 126-127) As an aspiring historian who has studied in depth the history of my father’s involvement with the trade union movement, I can say that trade unions were never again freed from political domination and manipulation. ( Period of studies and research: 1940s – 1980s)