RememberingBISHOP JOSEPH ZONICLE

OF THE BAHAMAS FEDERATION OF LABOUR

On several occasions, I heard Sir Randol mention the name of Joseph Zonicle as he tried to explain to me the significant role that he played in The Bahamas Federation of Labour. It was only in 2013 though that I had the privilege of meeting him in person at a Labour Week event at the University of The Bahamas.

Mr. Zonicle was a Bahamas Federation of Labour stalwart and throughout “The Faith That Moved The Mountain”, Sir Randol makes reference to his presence and support at several of the key events that occurred in a people’s march towards freedom.

Mr. Zonicle was there during the General Strike; he was present at the first official Labour Day in 1962 and he also served on the Fawkes Freedom Defense Fund Committee that raised enough money to pay Sir Randol’s legal fees and traveling expenses to Jamaica and London during the sedition trial. As the Assistant General Secretary in the Federation, he was often called on to read scripture passages and to offer prayers.

Today, we lift up Mr. Zonicle’s name and pay tribute to him and the numerous unnamed persons who stood in solidarity with Sir Randol and worked for justice and change in our Bahama Land. May his soul rest in peace.

Rosalie Fawkes. For The Fawkes Family