Stalwarts of the Labour movement remembered on Labour Day

Labour Day March

ZIZ News…03 05 2011 – Persons from all walks of life, a wide cross section of the community turned out in support of the cause of the workers and their Union when they marched through the streets of Basseterre on Monday May 2, 2011 Labour Day.

Labour Day or May Day as it is called is celebrated in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis on the first Monday in the month of May every year.

A key part of the Labour Day activities was the visit to the grave side of the fallen heroes of the Labour movement for the part they played in the development of the people and country on a whole. At the grave site of the Right Excellent Sir Robert L. Bradshaw Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas said the First National Hero led the country and the Labour Party and Union and contributed tremendously to the continued development of the welfare of workers in St. Kitts Nevis and through out the Caribbean. For the first time two of his grand children, the daughters of the late Isis Bradshaw laid the wreath at the grave side and according to prime minister Douglas he hope this will be the first of many to come.

Pom-Pom Girls

Before the march a delegation led by the Prime Minister visited the grave sites of former legislator and unionist, Clarence Fitzroy Bryant, former Premier and unionist, Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, former Premier and unionist, Sir Lee Llewellyn Moore, former unionist, Fidel O’Flaherty, former unionist, Right Excellent Sir Joseph Nathaniel France and former Premier and unionist, Right Excellent Sir Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell

On hand for the visits were Trade Union officials including President Mr. Clifford Thomas, Stanley Franks Junior and Batumba Tak along with Political Leader of the St. Kitts – Nevis Labour Party, Prime Minister, The Hon. Dr. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas and other cabinet colleagues.

Following the ceremony at the grave sites persons gathered outside the Patsy Allers playfield before proceeding on the Labour Day March through Basseterre carrying placards and banners. They were led by the Pom Pom girls followed by the members of the Labour Party, supporters and well wishers accompanied by Hifi music and a live band.

Labour Day March	Photo of grave side of Late Robert L. Bradshaw by K. France