After over sixty years of loyal service to the membership as a Union Official, thirty-eight as our President, Brother Roman Gralewicz announced at the October 8th Executive Board meeting his wish to retire effective December 11, 2009. Although we all knew it would happen one day, it is still difficult to imagine that he will not be at the helm. Roman Gralewicz and the S.I.U. have become synonymous, as he has lived and fought for S.I.U. members for more than half a century. His passion and drive for improving the wages, benefits and working conditions of seafarers over the years was a personal battle for him and a victory for our brothers and sisters. He has been a great leader and mentor. His knowledge and experience are invaluable to us all and for this reason we have asked him to remain as advisor, a request he was kind enough to accept.

Under the Union’s Constitution, once the office of President becomes vacant, the Executive Board Members must elect amongst them a new President. I am pleased to announce that the Board Members have unanimously voted me as your new leader – a challenge which I accepted with great honour and pride. My 30 years of experience in serving the S.I.U. and its membership will serve me well for the many challenges ahead. My main objectives as President will be to keep bringing in new jobs and to keep members working. I will continue to build on what Brother Gralewicz has achieved in establishing the Seafarers’ Medical Plan,