STATEMENT: DAWU on passing of Mr Gerry Aird

Greetings and good day.

On behalf of the Dominica Amalgamated Workers’ Union (DAWU), and its Union Members of HHV Whitchurch & Co. Ltd, the DAWU takes this opportunity to extend its profound and sincere condolences to the family of the late Mr. Gerry Aird.

Over the past forty-seven (47) years the DAWU has been the Union representative for the employees within the Bargaining Unit of HHV Whitchurch & Co. Ltd. The relationship with the Employer over the years was always harmonious, respectful, and cordial. Mr. Aird proved to be a very well respectful person, and professional, always
ready to discuss and work with the Union on behalf of his employees. We remember the numerous times over the years that we sat at meetings together. Sometimes we agreed and sometimes we did not, but we always came to an amicable conclusion, on behalf of the employees.

On December 1, 2022, Mr. Aird wrote to the Union, informing the Union that after fifty-eight (58) years of managing the affairs of HHV Whitchurch & Co. Ltd, he would be retiring on December 31, 2022, however, he would remain as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, for the foreseeable future. That foreseeable future ended when we heard of his passing on July 18, 2025.

The DAWU recognized then that with his retirement from the position as Managing Director, he would be surely missed. That caring, compassionate, generous, soft-spoken, and calm person was already missed then and even more now. He is gone in person, but he will surely be missed, as he [remains] in our hearts forever.

Mr. Aird was a dedicated individual to both his business and his employees. From our interaction with him, we could tell that deep within himself, he was a loving and compassionate soul.

We thank God for the time he spent on earth here with all of us.. Though he is gone in person, he is indeed with us in spirit, for the spirit lives on forever. May his soul rest in the peace of our Lord.

DAWU [thanks] you for your cooperation in this matter.

Yours Sincerely
DOMINICA AMALGAMATED WORKERS UNION