Birthday of Tubal Uriah Butler

Born on this day in 1897, Tubal Uriah Butler was a Grenadadian born Spiritual Baptist preacher and labour leader in Trinidad and Tobago. He moved to Trinidad and Tobago in 1921 to work in the oilfield where he became involved in labour organizing in the country. Best remembered for his leadership in the oil field workers labour riots between 19 June and 6 July 1937, he was also a campaigner for home rule in Trinidad and Tobago and an antifascist. Labour Day in Trinidad and Tobago is celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the Butler Oilfield Riots. Butler would spend two years in jail for inciting a riot. During WWII he spent a further six years in prison as a 'security risk'. The oilfield workers struggle had widespread effects across the Caribbean. In Trinidad and Tobago, it lead to a great increase in worker class consciousness. By the end of 1938, there were ten trade unions in Trinidad, more than in any other West Indian colony. After the war, Butler continued his agitation for workers rights, social justice, and the struggle for home rule for Trinidad and Tobago. One source states "He was regarded as a hero of the people, and in fact, he was seen as the man who struck the first damaging blow against colonialism, thus giving courage to the fighters for independence."
We encourage you to look at the Trinidad and Tobago National Archive exhibition from the links for photos of Butler and many news clippings.