Dear Editor,

The Bustamante Industrial Trade Union is extremely saddened at the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague, Captain Russell Capleton.

Captain Capleton was not a career trade unionist, but he was a worker whose sympathies were always with his fellow workers of whatever rank, and even after the end of his term as president of the Jamaican Airline Pilots Association, an affiliate of the BITU, he remained the voice and face of JALPA up to the time of his death.

The BITU valued his level of dedication, contribution and support for the cause of workers, be they blue or white-collar, which is in keeping with the tradition of our union and the example set by our leaders since 1938.

His life’s passion and inspiration was making a difference in people’s lives and he was certainly one of God’s gifts to humanity.

We send our most sincere thoughts and support to his family, friends, and co-workers during this difficult time, and we assure them that the wider workers’ community echoes our sympathies and condolences.

We are sure the contribution of Captain Capleton and that of JALPA under his leadership will not be in vain – his work with Air Jamaica as well as his struggle to create a more prosperous and responsible society fully conscious of the need to respect the rights of all citizens irrespective of their station in life.

With the loss of Captain Capleton, the BITU is prepared to help in any way it can to fill whatever void is created in JALPA, by offering its support, advice and experience in dealing with the challenges that will no doubt arise during the current Air Jamaica transitional period and these difficult economic times.

Kavan A Gayle

President General, BITU

Kingston