David Abdulah
David Abdulah | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jamaica |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, politician, trade union leader |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Known for | General Secretary of Oilfields Workers' Trade Union; leader of Movement for Social Justice; government-appointed senator (2010–2012) |
David Abdulah is a prominent Trinidad and Tobago economist, politician, and trade union leader. He held the position of General Secretary at the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union (OWTU) and is currently at the helm of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ). Between 2010 and 2012, Abdulah served as a government-appointed senator during the 10th Republican Parliament.
Early life and education
David Abdulah was born in Jamaica while his father, retired Anglican bishop Clive Abdulah, was serving as a parish priest. His mother, Mariko, is of Canadian-Japanese heritage. Abdulah pursued higher education at the University of the West Indies at St. Augustine, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and economics. His engagement in political and labour activism began during his university years at St. Augustine.
Career
Beginning in 1978, Abdulah dedicated his career to the OWTU until his retirement in 2016, occupying roles such as Chief Education and Research Officer and later serving as Secretary General from 2008 to 2016. Additionally, he was president of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and Non-Governmental Organisations (FITUN) until 2012, after which he opted not to pursue re-election.
The MSJ was involved in the Fyzabad Accord, which led to the establishment of the People's Partnership (PP). Following the PP's success in the 2010 general elections, Abdulah was appointed as a government senator representing the MSJ. After Errol McLeod resigned as MSJ leader in January 2012, Abdulah assumed the role of interim political leader. During his tenure, the MSJ exited the PP government in June 2012.
In the 2020 general elections, Abdulah contested the Pointe-à-Pierre seat as an MSJ candidate, finishing third behind David Lee of the United National Congress and Daniel Dookie from the People's National Movement. The MSJ did not participate in the 2025 general elections.