Now, this was not a sister that I knew before I joined the NUGFW, and, therefore, the fact that she endeared herself to Mac, Alva and me suggested to me that here was a comrade with a burning desire to develop her industrial relations capacity and expertise. My view was confirmed when she approached me a few weeks later and asked me whether I would take her under my wing and share with her my own industrial relations learnings. I instinctively agreed, because by that time I had seen, heard, and observed the wrath of her fiery and militant mouth in branch meetings of Union members.

This experience convinced me that this sister was different and possessed some of the important qualities of a serious and progressive trade unionist.

My seven years in NUGFW was enriched and informed by Kathleen's unswerving commitment to the workers she served and represented. The fact that she was incorruptible and fearless of the consequences of standing up for justice and an equal piece of the bread for workers, clearly exemplified that she understood what standing on the shoulders of Elma Francois, Christina King, Butler and George Weekes meant.

Of course she had her faults, like me and many others. However, the difference was that she was very receptive to constructive criticism and corrective measures to address her own shortcomings. I suspect that it is this particular level of maturity that is largely responsible for the achievement of this self-made woman of substance.

You see, this daughter of the Dibe community once said to me: "Hear nah, Gregory, I only have primary school education, yuh know." And I recall saying to her: "Girl, you are a classic example that education is not necessarily intelligence."

The fact that Kathleen, through sheer determination and discipline was able to rise from a primary school educated student to a popular and competent lecturer at Cipriani in Occupational Health and Safety is indeed testimony to her self-made status that I described earlier on. Having attained her Bachelor's Degree, she selflessly shared her knowledge with all who asked. After she left NUGFW, she continued to share her knowledge and expertise with a wide cross-section of workers from the Trade Union movement in numerous training seminars, thereby ensuring that health and safety measures were properly understood, applied, and implemented.

I can say, without fear of contradiction, that Kathleen was ahead of some of the many so-called experts in health and safety. I recall her preparing a health and safety proposal for me to submit for the Carib Workers’ Collective Agreement. Now, this was before the OSH Act came into being. Many of the proposals she documented then are now mirrored in the OSH Act. I am not suggesting that the legislators copied her work. I am simply saying that she obviously possessed a very informed and intuitive perspective of the rudiments of health and safety in the workplace.

What, however, distinguished her from many others, was the simple and informed manner she taught and shared her knowledge for both academics and the ordinary worker to understand. If, indeed, the term working class intellectual is to be properly understood, then Kathleen Davis was the finest example of what it truly means.

To all of those present here today and the many others following this send-off for Kathleen, rest assured that when the present-day history of the Trade Union Movement is written -- that is provided it is written by those who know and write the truth -- then when they write of those who served and contributed to the health and safety collection of learning, special mention will be made of our Kathleen.

To Kay, Kevin, Keshorn, and her grandkids, thanks for sharing her with us. Thanks for the many days and nights that Mommy and Granny was not around fighting for peace, bread, and justice for those she loyally served.

WE WILL MISS YOU KATHLEEN. HARD SHOES TO FILL!

LONG LIVE THE LEGACY AND SPIRIT OF COMRADE KATHLEEN DAVIS!

SLEEP AND WALK WELL, WORKING CLASS SOLDIER AND WARRIOR!

LOVE ALWAYS!