11 Facts About Quintin O'Connor

Quintin O'Connor was a union leader, activist, and politician in colonial Trinidad and Tobago from the 1930s to the late 1950s.

Quintin O'Connor played an essential role in the institutionalization of unionism in Trinidad and was an early proponent of Trinidadian independence.

Quintin O'Connor was born on 31 October 1908 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, to Virginia and Henry O'Connor.

Quintin O'Connor attended school at Saint Mary's College, though he left school without obtaining the Junior Cambridge Certificate.

In 1940, Quintin O'Connor incorporated the USAC into the Federated Workers Trade Union, which he took over with Albert Gomes.

In 1948, Quintin O'Connor became the secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Trades Union Congress, which briefly united the labour movement in Trinidad and Tobago and was able to enter into block agreements with employers.

In 1942, Quintin O'Connor joined the West Indian National Party, which became a part of the United Front during the 1946 General Elections.

Quintin O'Connor refused to quit until he was ready to move on to other political endeavours.

Quintin O'Connor was active on behalf of a number of social and political causes throughout his life.

Quintin O'Connor spoke out against the racism experienced by Blacks who worked on the US Naval Base in Chaguaramas.

In 1948, Quintin O'Connor sat on the Constitutional Reform Committee and signed the majority report, which reformed Trinidad and Tobago's political system without granting responsible government.