His Story
A Legacy of Activism, Empowerment and Community
Michael Als dedicated his life to advancing workers' rights, empowering young people, strengthening Caribbean solidarity and creating opportunities for underserved communities. His journey connected trade union leadership with political activism, cultural expression, and sustainable rural development.
01 / TRADE UNIONISM
Trade Union Leadership & Activism
Founder of BIGWU: In April 1974, Als founded the Bank Workers Trade Union, which later evolved into the Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU). The organization became an important voice for workers seeking fair treatment and better working conditions.
The Young Power Movement: He first gained national prominence in the late 1960s as a leader of the Young Power Movement. During the 1970 Black Power Revolution and the subsequent state of emergency, he was detained by the government as a political prisoner.
Political involvement: Als served as chair of the People's Popular Movement and later as a Government Senator in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago during the Sixth Republican Parliament.
02 / CARIBBEAN SOLIDARITY
Regional Caribbean Influence
Als maintained close relationships with prominent regional left-wing leaders, including Cheddi Jagan of Guyana, Trevor Munroe of Jamaica and Bernard Coard of Grenada. These connections reflected his commitment to political dialogue and solidarity across the Caribbean.
The Grenada Revolution, 1983: During the turbulent final days of the Grenada Revolution in October 1983, Als was among the few non-Grenadians permitted to mediate between conflicting factions of the New Jewel Movement.
He met with Prime Minister Maurice Bishop on October 18, 1983, one day before Bishop was assassinated.
03 / RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Rural Empowerment & The Toco Foundation
In the later years of his life, Als devoted considerable energy to the sustainable development of the rural north-east coast of Trinidad. As coordinator of the Toco Foundation, he supported agricultural, educational and social initiatives intended to improve opportunities for local residents.
Radio Toco 106.7 FM: In 1997, he pioneered Radio Toco 106.7 FM, helping give a voice to a geographically isolated population and strengthening communication within the community.
His work demonstrated how community radio could connect people, share information and support local identity and development.
04 / LITERATURE & LEGACY
Creative Work & Final Years
Beyond his activism, Als was a passionate writer, teacher and poet. He used literature to mentor young people and document the experiences and struggles of the working class.
His commitment to education and creative expression complemented his work as a trade unionist and community organizer, reflecting his belief in the power of ideas and collective action.
His passing: Michael Als died in December 2013, aged 68, following a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest at Cumana Cemetery in Toco, Trinidad.
He is remembered for his dedication to working people, youth empowerment, Caribbean solidarity, and the development of rural communities.