Workers show solidarity during Labour Day march

Labourers and Government leaders put aside their political concerns Friday, June 5, turning out in droves for the annual Labour Day Parade, despite overcast skies and an occasional heavy downpour of rain.

Under the theme "Putting Workers First, Building the Vision and Pursuing the Dream," members of Bahamas Financial Services (BFS), Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU), Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU), the Grand Bahama branch of The Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU), Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) and many others took to the streets of Grand Bahama to show their solidarity.

Former BUT President Ida Poitier was also in Grand Bahama showing her support and encouraged union member to continue to band together for the good of the workforce and the country.

"This is time now for us to come together, work together as we strive to take the country forward," added Poitier.

Sharing similiar sentiments were Marco City Member of Parliament Zhivargo Laing, West End and Bimini MP Obie Wilch-combe.

Laing noted that despite hardships, Grand Bahamians are determined to overcome this economic obstacle. He encouraged "all labourers to continue to play their role in the advancement of this country."

"I have travelled all over the world and The Bahamas is the best little country in the world," Laing said, adding that in spite of the economic difficulties being experienced worldwide, The Bah-amas and workers in this country are blessed.

Wilchcombe encouraged labourers to continue to qualify themselves in whatever area they are employed.

"Qualify yourselves. Our country is on the verge of a breakthrough and we will need qualified employees to fill the positions that will become available," said Wilchcombe.

He noted that from the attendance to this year's event, "labourers are understanding that it is only that when they come together, work together, that things can get done."

Both Laing and Wilch-combe commended their colleagues — including Fred Mitchell, MP for Fox Hill; Kwasi Thompson, MP for Pineridge; Neko Grant, MP for Lucaya; Vernae Grant, MP for Eight Mile Rock and Senator Frederick McAlpine — for showing their support to the men and women who labour in the workforce.

John Curtis, Grand Bahama-based vice president of the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU), said workers in all sectors of the economy — both private and public — are facing challenging times.

Curtis noted that all workers, whether they are a part of the Trade Union Movement or not, the struggle for all continues on. However, he added that each person brings with them "something specific and special" that they can showcase as unique to themselves in the workplace.

"I encourage you to dig deep within yourselves, go the extra mile to deliver the service or product for which you are employed," he implored.

He said employees should strive to be efficient.

Curtis congratulated public servants for the service that they give to this country; however, he called for "a renewed passion and a sense of consciousness to duty recognizing the privilege and trust vested in each public servant."

The annual Labour Day Parade began at Kentucky Fried Chicken on East Sunrise Highway and concluded at the Junkanoo Beach Club, Taino Beach.