In 2010, Christopher Abraham joined the management team as an Industrial Relations Consultant, to assist the Tobago Regional Health Authority with its first Industrial Relations Case at the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago. Later that year on 9th August he became the TRHA’s first Industrial Relations Specialist. His contributions to the TRHA revolutionized the entire Industrial Relations Landscape of the organisation, to the point that Industrial Relations was not seen or practiced the same after Mr. Abraham left his mark. 

His knowledge and experience, and of cause his Industrial Relations tactics and strategies were quite impressive – a pillar of expertise, Ms. Rambaran coined it as. He once caused a potentially contentious meeting to break-up, by setting the workers and their Union Representatives against each other and stood aside and watched. Thereafter, he came in and stole the show on behalf of the organisation – that was nothing short of pure brilliance. He was undeniably fair, and many in the organisation, inspite of their rank, looked to him for advice. He mentored quite a few staff in the Human Resource Department, as he had a passion for teaching and passing on his skills and expertise. Some of his schooling sessions included him explaining to the team how the political activities of the day, both at the macro-level and micro-level, could potentially affect the Industrial Relations climate in the country and by extension the organisation. 

I was his direct manager for the majority of time he was at the Tobago Regional Health Authority, however, he was also my teacher, mentor and advisor. I personally viewed him as a humble sole, he never attempted to demonstrate his superiority in the area of Industrial Relations even in times when we disagreed on strategies. He would whole-heartedly pursue the strategies we eventually agree on and defend them, if necessary.  

He was also a very caring person, in the execution of his duties he would always ensure that he considered the human side even in dispensing discipline to workers. He always stayed in touch with members of the Human Resource family, to give advice, to invite us to a lime or to send delicacies prepared by his sister and/or mother. Even after he left the organisation, persons from the TRHA were always able to call on him for assistance, or he would call to give advice and the heads-up on things happening in the arena. His caring nature was felt like a big brother, one time when I was presumably in a bit of trouble with executive management over a perceived error I made, I felt his deep concern for me, although he managed the situation very professionally. After I made my submission, he was so relieved that it looked like he was walking on clouds for the rest of the week. Another example of his caring nature was when he had to adjudicate over an employee disciplinary matter involving the abuse of sick leave. During the session he realised that the case could have been symptomatic of a domestic violence case, he quickly shifted gears to being supportive rather than punitive and ensured that the employee received the necessary EAP support.

Mr. Abraham had a unique sense of humour, he had the ability to make anything and everything into a joke, and when he was in a jovial mode he could go on for hours and had everyone in stitches. We quickly learnt the value of making fun of ourselves and our mistakes, because he did not allow us to escape, some got more pounding than others but all of us got our fair share. Everyone in our department had a nick-name, some even had two, although, I think Ms. Rambaran and I were the only two who did not have one. He was a true friend to many, he took up a permanent space in our hearts. 

He had the habit of feeding the persons around him, especially when he returned from a visit to his Trinidad home. The bowl of tomato choka, fried aloo choka and fried ripe plantains, with the few pieces of sada roti would share for everyone the entire department, not to mention the bag of Kurma that made its rounds. When we had early morning meetings he would instigate a potluck breakfast, one time the CEO of the day had an early morning meeting, and was quite tamed when we provided homemade breakfast for the meeting. We had quite a few departmental potluck breakfast also. I remembered one time, Ava had a good pounding from Mr. Abraham because she burnt the fried ripe plantains one of his favourite dishes, and he did not allow her forget it at all. Food was his glue that bind the team together and as we saw tamed the hearts of some. 

He also appreciated the importance of a good lime. He personally hosted or co-hosted three limes when he was with us – a beach lime, a family lime he invited the department to and one at his home when he thought he was about to retire. Each of them were quite memorable, filled with laughter, lots to eat and trips down memory lane of both his earlier days at the TRHA or even earlier as a Trade Unionist.   

One time he got sick and was homebound for at least two weeks, the members of the HR Department took up their respective responsibilities of looking after him and attending to his every need. Kevin would make his daily visits to assist him with things that the female members could not assist with, others would take turns in carrying food and essentials for him. However, Sue Ann, who was more like a daughter to him, was most attentive to his care at that time. He gave us quite a scare at this time so much so that we made all attempts to keep him in check when he returned to health inclusive of calling in Dr. Mahal when he was not compliant or listening to us.

Mr. Abraham, you left your mark in our hearts and you would be remembered forever. On behalf of all the members of the HR Family, I wish you eternal rest, and I say thank you for allowing us the opportunity to know you, to work with you and to befriend you. 

I have been asked to read the following on behalf of Allison, “ Abraham was my friend. He never gave me a piece of bad advice. He was proud of me and encouraged me to continue my education, in whatever field I chose. I will miss him, dearly!

Travel well comrade, on the arms of angels and rest assured that we wills see each other again”

Also on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, the Executives of the TRHA past and present and the rest of the TRHA, our deepest condolences is extended to his family and friends and we take this opportunity to extend our heart-felt thanks for the contributions his has made to the TRHA in the area of Industrial Relations and Social comradery.