The 2014 Labour Week kicked off over the weekend and over the next few days officials of the National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas (NCTUB) have planned a number of activities to commemorate this year’s event
As customary, the NCTUB will pay tribute to two trade union leaders.
This year’s honorees are David Knowles and Edward “Bobby” Glinton.
“I feel proud and honoured,” Mr. Glinton said at a press conference last week. “This is something—I think I can speak for David as well – that neither of us expected in our lifetime. We’ve been gone for some time, and so we feel very thankful, honoured, and blessed.”
Mr. Knowles was not available for comment.
According to NCTUB first vice president Theresa Mortimer, this year’s honourees are well deserving of the recognition.
“These gentlemen led The Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union as president and secretary general for many decades,” she said. “During the week, trade unionists, family members, colleagues and friends will take the time to pause and celebrate these men for their unselfish, dedicated and invaluable service to our beloved Bahamaland.”
Both Mr. Knowles and Mr. Glinton will be honoured (this) week during the official opening ceremony and honourees night.
Other labour week activities include the President Walk-a-Thon and Souse Out the labour movement’s annual church service was held on Sunday at Bethel Baptist Church.
On Sunday, a luncheon and fashion show at Workers House on Tonique Williams-Darling highway was also held.
Tuesday will see the Educational Workshop and Panel Discussion at the Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union Hall on Horseshoe Drive beginning at 7:00 p.m., the honourees night on Wednesday, then on Friday, the much anticipated Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day Parade and Rally will be held.
The rally starts at 8:00 a.m. at Windsor Park and will end at Arawak Cay where the Rally and Family Fun Day will be held.
The week of activities will come to an end with a church service in Freeport, Grand Bahama on Sunday, June 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Holiness Church, Eight Mile Rock, followed by a luncheon reception.
“The Congress invites all workers to attend and participate in the week of events, but a special invitation is extended to all affiliates as well as members of the general public to join in the Annual Labour Day Parade and Rally and celebrate this milestone in Bahamian history,” Mrs. Mortimer added.
