CBTU Helps Build a School in Trelawney, JA

CBTU-Canada in partnership with Food for the Poor, Helping Hands and the Carpenters Union traveled from Toronto to Jamaica to help build a school in the parish of Trelawney. In doing so CBTU-Canada contributed to the transformation of what was previously the vision of many into the fruition of generations to come.

In a short time, with many hands and collaborative spirits we built The Wakfield Infant School. As a result of our joint collaboration with these organizations we believe that CBTU-Canada has provided a positive contribution to the lives of the next generation and their communities.

Through access to education, resources and investments such as this, we believe that our next generation of leaders can grow with greater self esteem, while overcoming barriers of poverty, allowing them to grow and reach their full potential.

In addition to the construction of The Wakfield Infant School, CBTU members further supplied the school's library with needed books and materials. Lastly CBTU-Canada ministered every student with supplies for the new schoolyear.

This was a life changing experience for me. On behalf of CBTU-Canada I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came together to make this happen. We look forward to seeing the progress of this undertaking for generations to come.

In solidarity,

Yolanda McClean
CBTU-CANADA
Chapter President

To view images of the experience, please click here

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CBTU Membership Newsletter November 1, 2025

November 1st, 2025

Greetings, CBTU Family:

As we reflect on this challenging season, we are reminded of the strength and solidarity that define our movement. Across Canada and throughout the African diaspora, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) remains a collective voice for justice, equity, and unity.

This issue of our newsletter is dedicated to our brothers and sisters in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and all the countries affected by Hurricane Melissa, and to our students pursuing higher education through CBTU scholarship opportunities. We extend gratitude to all members, allies, and communities who continue to lift one another during difficult times.

STATEMENT FROM THE COALITION OF BLACK TRADE UNIONISTS (CBTU) CANADA REGARDING THE IMPACT OF HURRICANE MELISSA IN JAMAICA

Friday October 31st, 2025

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada extends our deepest sympathy, solidarity, and support to the people of Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. We are holding close in our hearts all those who have suffered loss, displacement, and damage to their homes, communities, and essential services.

We especially acknowledge the emotional toll being felt by Jamaican families both on the island and here in Canada, as many continue to wait for information about the safety of loved ones due to widespread power outages and interruptions to telecommunications systems. To everyone living in uncertainty we see you, we stand with you, and we are praying alongside you.

Even in the face of hardship, the Jamaican spirit remains resilient, courageous, and rooted in community care. And just as Jamaica has always lifted nations with its culture, leadership, and unwavering strength, we now rally to lift Jamaica.

CBTU Canada strongly encourages members across the country to support organizations and initiatives currently involved in recovery and rebuilding efforts. Donations can also be made directly to the Government of Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Donation Fund.

In Unity and Solidarity,

CBTU Canada Chapter Executive: President: Yolanda McClean, 1st Vice President Juanita Forde, 2nd Vice President Lineisha Bernard, Treasurer Christine Maclin, Recording Secretary Coleen Houlder, Communications Secretary Isabelle Miller, Communications & Social Media Officer Mark Brown, Membership Secretary Chris Campbell, Member At Large Mark Austin, Under 40 Representative Jordan Forde, Trustee Dennis Williams, Trustee Sharon Paris, Retiree Member Representative – Andrea McCormack

2025 CBTU Region One Conference

COALITION OF BLACK TRADE UNIONISTS TRI-STATE REGION 1 Conference

Sharon Lovelady-Hall, CBTU Region 1 Director Andrea McCormack, Secretary

Nina Manning, Treasurer

Ursula Howard, Women’s Committee Chair

Vacant, Men’s Committee Chair

LaNette Murphy, Youth Committee Chair Juanita Forde, Younger Workers Committee Chair

[email protected]

June 2025

Dear CBTU Brother and Sisters:

I am excited to announce that the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Annual Region 1 Conference will be held August 15-17, 2025, at Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12211. Continuing the celebration of the International CBTU 54th Anniversary, our theme is also “Preserving and Building on Our Legacy: Unbought, Unbossed, Unstoppable.” The agenda will consist of education and information that will give us an opportunity to reflect on our power and influence in the labor movement and our communities in the fight for social and economic justice.