BASSETERRE — Prime Minister The Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew reaffirmed the central role of the Labour movement in the nation’s development on Monday, delivering a passionate tribute at the Labour Day celebration that drew on nearly a century of workers’ struggle and sacrifice.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Drew described the movement as a driving force for unity and national progress — and insisted the two cannot be separated.
“You can never ever separate the St. Kitts Labour movement from Labour Day,” he said. “Without Labour, there’s no movement and upward mobility of our workers.”
The Prime Minister traced the movement’s origins to 1932, noting it was born from hardship but shaped by courage. He highlighted the establishment of trade unions in 1940 as a landmark achievement won through collective action.
“It fought for the legal establishment of trade unions achieved in 1940. It fought so that workers could stand together, speak with one voice and claim their rightful place in society,” he said.
The prime minister also outlined key government initiatives aimed at improving workers’ lives, including multiple increases to the minimum wage.
“We have increased your minimum wage not once but twice,” Dr. Drew said. “A strong wage is more powerful than a temporary assistance. A higher wage means a better chance to access credit, to social security, which means more benefit and greater financial independence.”
He also pointed to the government’s decision to make education free through to the college level, saying the children of workers must not be limited by circumstance.
As the Labour movement approaches its centenary in 2032, Drew called for continued unity and commitment to national development.