GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Fred Mitchell joined those celebrating the Randol Fawkes Labour Day holiday in Grand Bahama on June 7, 2024 and encouraged workers and labour unions to continue the fight to bring about change in The Bahamas.

This year’s March was held under the theme, “Prioritizing the Voice of Labour, No Worker Left Behind,” and began from Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King to Independence Park where unions and members from various political parties gathered for a rally in support of workers from private and government entities.

Prayers were lifted for the country, workers and unity and a moment of silence was observed for the late Hon. Obadiah Wilchcombe, former Minister for Social Services and Urban Development as well as a fallen union member.

Addressing the gathering at the rally were union representatives from the Bahamas Educators Managerial Union, the Bahamas Public Services Union, Bahamas Nurses Union, Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union, Bahamas Educators, Counsellors and Allied Workers Union, Bahamas Union of Teachers, Grand Bahama Dock Allied Workers Union, the National Tripartite Council, Senator Kirk Russell and East Grand Bahama Member of Parliament Kwasi Thompson.

In his remarks, Minister Mitchell commended Labour and Public Service Minister, the Hon. Pia Glover Rolle for completing 30 industrial agreements since taking on her role as Minister of Labour.

He also addressed a number of vexing labour issues, including casual workers, the enforcement of judgements by the Industrial Tribunal and making temporary employees permanent and pensionable.

Minister Mitchell reminded those present that the lesson of history was that those people who fought for the rights of workers did not take no for an answer.  

“This generation has no reason to take no for an answer either. Life is a continuous struggle and fight. The great abolitionist in the United States, Frederick Douglas said, ‘power concedes nothing without a demand.’ So, remember that and work every day to bring about change in our country and in our society,” he said.

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, who also took part in the march, was pleased to see the unity among the labour unions and, while she is aware of the challenges workers face, said the government will continue to support the labour movements to ensure that the workers receive what they deserve.

UNIONS UNITE – Labour unions from throughout Grand Bahama, along with workers and political parties joined in solidarity for the Randol Fawkes Labour Day March on June 7, 2024 which began at Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King and ended on Independence Park.

(BIS PHOTOS/Lisa Davis)