Jan 05 – Montiel Pays Tribute To Bernard Linares
Luis Montiel has sent us this letter paying tribute to the late Dr Bernard Linares, his friend and colleague.
In the early 1960s, Gibraltar had a small economy. It was predominantly dependent for its income on the employment provided by the military establishments and the land that was reluctantly made available, by the colonial power from time to time - the two most essential ingredients for economic growth. Sir Joshua Hassan was still a popular political leader, most ardently supported amongst the elderly population, grateful for his contribution and achievements in consolidating a strong Gibraltarian identity and secure the right to their land, to Gibraltarian residents and the evacuees who returned home after the war.
The closure of the Frontier, prevalent social conditions at the time and expectations of a better future, however, conditioned the attitudes of young people. They were in the majority indentured apprentices, who as skilled individuals, became more participatory in doing up their youth clubs, organised collectively their leisure activities and became more socially aware at a local and international level. The Young Christian Workers (YCW) were at the heart of developing this social awareness and commitment to social action. Bernard Linares was the YCW Chaplain who, faithful to the calling of the Second Vatican Council, became the inspirational leader of this movement. His humanity displayed throughout his commitment in whatever responsibly he took, was a trait very rarely seen in Unions or in Politics.
The Transport and General Workers Union thus became the vehicle through which workers and Moroccan immigrants could join to defend their rights and improve working and social conditions. After a long struggle within the Union itself, with the support of Jose Netto, Michael Feetham and many others to name here - the power base was established. Numerous confrontations with public and private employers took place for better terms and conditions which peaked and in Bernard's own words, "by 1972, the leadership in the T&GWU had gained complete control of the Union and were able to launch perhaps the greatest demonstration of working class solidarity ever witnessed on the Rock - the one-week General Strike"
The emancipation of the local worker and their commitment to the worker labour movement, lies at the root of the achievements enjoyed today, and have paved the way for political and economic development of this community.
Journalists will have to research deep to do justice to Bernard's huge contribution to making this possible. Those of us involved know because we were there with him!
Rest in Peace, Bernard
Condolences to Maricela and the family
Your friend
Luis
