Workers assured government working for them during Labour Day March in Grand Bahama

Bahamas, June 8, 2017 – Grand Bahama – Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson, on Friday reassured workers that the government knows their plight, and is working for them.   Minister Thompson’s address came following the annual Labour Day March.

Also present for the march were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard; Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works, the Hon. Iram Lewis; and the Hon. Frederick McAlpine, MP for Pineridge Constituency. Opposition Senator, the Hon. Fred Mitchell was also present.

He said, “We would not have a government if it were not for you.   We would not have an economy if it were not for you, we would not have a work force, if it were not for you.   You ought to be congratulated, the people who come to work every day and give your best every day, you ought to be congratulated.   So please give yourselves another round of applause.”

The Minister said that he, along with his colleagues, have an open door policy for union leaders and will advocate for them around the table.

“The reality is the workers supported us to be where we are today. We would not be sitting in the seat we sit had it not been for you the workers of Grand Bahama and this country.   We realize that. You’ve given us a mandate.   You’ve told us that you want change and it is now up to us to ensure that that change happens.

“Obviously change will not happen overnight,” he continued, “but we are dedicated and we have started from day one to ensure that we live up to the mandate you have given us.”

In closing, Minister Thompson said the government is committed to not only enhancing the employment that currently exists in Grand Bahama, but will create more employment on the island.   “We want to ensure that you know that we are on the job, we are working.   We know what your issues are and we know what your plight is.”

Press Release: BIS

Photo Captions: The Hon. Kwasi Thompson (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

LEADERS WALKING WITH WORKERS – Government leaders, marched with the workers during the annual Labour Day March on Friday, June 2, 2017.   Shown are: Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard (centre left) and Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson (centre right). (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)