THE DEATH has occurred of Comrade Jennings A.B. Wright, the Presidentof Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC). Comrade Wright is also the Financial Secretary/Treasurer of the Organisation of Trade Unions of West Africa (OTUWA).
This was revealed in a terse WhatsApp text by Comrade Max Conteh, the Acting General Secretary of SLLC, to an ITUC-Africa whatsApp platform stating that Comrade Wright had passed on some hours ago from an undisclosed illness.
The text message reads: “I regret to inform ITUC Brussels and ITUC-Africa about the sudden death of Comrade Jennings AB Wright, President of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress. RIP
“Comrade Wright died today Thursday 23 April, 2020.”
The message was received with shock on the platform drawing a flurry of condolences. The first response to the sad news came from Comrade J. Moyo, General Secretary of Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions who stated: “Sad news really. Our deepest condolences to to the family and the labour movement in Africa.”
Comrade Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, followed shortly stating: “Shocking news this [is]. So sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences to the family of Brother Jennings AB Wright and to the Sierra Leone Labour Congress of which he was President. May the dear Brother’s soul Rest In Peace.”
Comrade Ayuba Wabba, NLC President and President of ITUC global stated in a crisp message: “Oh my God , what a big lost. Pls accept our heartfelt condolences.”
“Condolences to comrade Jennings’ family and the entire Labour movement in Sierra Leone. May all be comforted and gain strength to deal with this tragedy. COSATU is with you all,” Comrade Bheki Ntshalintshali ,the General Secretary of Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), stated.
For Comrade Joshua Ansa, the Deputy General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress of Ghana (GHANA-TUC), “This is very sad. Please accept our deepest condolences to the Congress and the family. May his gentle soul find rest in the bosom of the Lord.”
According to Comrade John Odah, the Executive Secretary of OTUWA, “Brother Wright was also Financial Secretary/Treasurer of the Organization of Trade Unions of West Africa (OTUWA). Since the revival conference in October 2016, he has been one of the strong pillars of the West African labour movement.
“In his native Sierra Leone, the father figure he put around the trade union movement will be very, very difficult to fill.
“It is very difficult to come to terms with the reality of Brother Wright’s departure. Rest In Peace my brother.”
In his response, Comrade Marvis, the Executive Secretary of Southern African Trade Union Coordination Council (SATUCC), stated: “We are bereft at the passing of Brother Wright. Condolences to his family, friends, comrades in Sierra Leone and OTUWA. May He Rest in Perfect Peace!”
Comrade Seydou Diarra, General Secretary of UNTM of Mali, exclaimed: “God!!!! All my condolences for Comrade Jennings!”
Formal announcement of Comrade Wright’s death is still being expected from the SLLC along with burial arrangements.
