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In the true sense of solidarity, NTEU Puerto Rico united once again in celebration. Come January, the holidays are not over in Puerto Rico. The bold rhythms of the drums beating out bomba and the concurrent swoops of the dancer’s crimson skirt beaconed members and their guests into NTEU Chapters 188 (CBP Puerto Rico) and 193 (IRS Puerto Rico) Octavitas party.
Octavitas is a tradition that extends the Christmas season well into January in Puerto Rico. Twinkle lights still illuminated the ceiling and tables still featured ornaments and pine as NTEU’s Puerto Rico chapters joined forces for an electrifying night of dancing, celebration and gratitude.
The night featured, a live band, pleneros driving good natured dance offs between members, photo opportunities featuring backdrops of Puerto Rican imagery, and several courses of food served throughout the night. The spirit of Puerto Rico and family filled the room.
According to Chapter 193 Chapter President Ulises Sánchez, that feeling was intentional, “[We wanted] to get members to unplug and disconnect from the situation of the last year or so, try to help them to remember that, regardless of what we are going through, together we can have a good time. We wanted to make a space to get together as a big family.”
Both chapters emphasized the importance of NTEU chapters from different agencies coming together to show that federal employees in Puerto Rico are one. The party not only served as a way for members to celebrate and unwind but to show the unity and strength of two chapters committed to bringing dignity and respect to federal employees in Puerto Rico.
National Executive Vice President Terry Scott was on hand to swear in the recently elected Board of Chapter 193 and to join in the celebration. As were local VIPs including a president of a local AFGE chapter and local politicians whom the chapters honored for their work on behalf of federal employees in Puerto Rico.
Like most federal employees, for members of both Chapters, last year was difficult and filled with uncertainty. Both chapters stepped up together in support of federal employees on the island during the government shutdown. The party capped off that tough year. Chapter 188 President Hiram Gonzalez, shared, “[Hosting the party] was a way of showing members that we appreciate what they do. It is a way of giving back to them for what they do every day and recognizing how hard it was this past year and that we came through. We are standing and still in the fight and we continue to be here for them.”
More than 250 people attended the event: a huge showing of pride, solidarity, and success. It stands as a model of how strong the NTEU family is when we come together.
