BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, May 08, 2018 – PARTY members and political candidates from the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP), yesterday (May 07) joined a massive crowd to show solidarity for workers in St. Kitts and Nevis on Labour Day.
The party marched with workers through the streets of Basseterre, as some supporters used the occasion to be entertained.
Opposition Leader, Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas said that by marching on Labour Day, he and his party are in support of the workers in St. Kitts and Nevis – those in both the public and private sectors.
“And we are also in this march demonstrating our support for all universally. We believe that workers need to be respected, not only by their fellow workers but by their employers. In St. Kitts and Nevis today, the public sector in particular, government and in particular, Timothy Harris’ government shows that it has no respect for the workers.”
Marcella Liburd, Representative for Constituency Three, explained that the day is for workers, and they marched in solidarity against the “disrespect and the trampling upon” the rights of employees in today’s environment.
“The victimization of workers, for example, workers at the hospital whose pay has just been deducted and then being told that they were being overpaid...workers who have to be in this mold condition, especially those who have been in the Labour Department,” she noted.
Constituency Three’s Parliamentary Representative, Hon. Konris Maynard told SKNVibes News that he was pleased with the show of support from the people of St. Kitts and Nevis towards the working class of the federation.
“We believe that this government has been very oppressive to people in the workplaces. People are afraid, people are scared because they don’t know whether they can speak. People are being told that they cannot speak or associate with various political parties although that right is enshrined in the constitution,” he added.
The MP stressed that the show of support is indicative of the way people feel about the government, noting that “they are ready to go with the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party and the Labour Movement into the general elections”.
Labour Party Caretaker for Constituency Eight, Dr. Terrance Drew express a level of happiness at the large turnout for the march.
He said it was a massive march when compared to the previous years, pointing out that he has seen a number of the government’s supporters marching against the troubles workers are faced with in the federation.
Following yesterday’s march, the Trades and Labour Union held its annual rally and fun day.
