Randol Fawkes Labour Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Bahamas

Annually, Randol Fawkes Labour Day is observed on the first Friday of June. This year’s date is June 2. The day is named after Sir Randol Fawkes because of his role in making it a reality for the people of the Bahamas. As other nations began commemorating Labour Day, it became necessary for someone to advocate for its adoption in the Bahamas on behalf of all workers. The day is a public holiday in the Bahamas, and all employees are granted the day off. This affords them the opportunity to spend the day with their families or companions.

The background of Randol Fawkes Labour Day

The birth of Sir Randol Francis Fawkes occurred on March 20, 1924. He was a Bahamian politician, trade unionist, and attorney who represented the St. Barnabas constituency in Parliament. He also served briefly as a Cabinet Minister in the first Pindling administration.

In the Bahamas, Fawkes is known as “the father of Labour” for his endeavours in establishing the trade union movement. In 1961, he effectively passed a bill establishing Labour Day as a public holiday through the House of Representatives. He advocated for the Bahamas to have a Labour Day because he believed a day should be set aside to honour the labourers who contribute to the country’s development. The day has been observed since that time.

In 1978, Fawkes was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his significant contributions to the labour movement and the Bahamas. In memory of Sir Randol Fawkes, who passed away in 2000, senators passed a measure in 2013 to rename Labour Day as Randol Fawkes Labour Day.

For the occasion, a parade is conducted. In this large motorcade through the streets of downtown Nassau, participants from various political parties and labour unions are visible. The parade concludes at the Southern Recreation Grounds, where union leaders and local legislators deliver speeches. Sir Randol Fawkes received the Order of National Hero in the National Honours Awards, the nation’s highest honour, posthumously in 2020.

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5 Interesting Facts Concerning the Bahamas

It consists of approximately 700 islands, of which 30 are inhabited.

The Bahamas were a British colony from 1718 until July 10, 1973, when they attained their independence.

Approximately 95% of the population is Christian.

It has approximately 370 species of birds and chose the flamingo as its national bird.

The Bahamian dollar is the country’s official currency, but the U.S. dollar is widely recognised.

RANDOL FAWKES LABOUR DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2022	June 3	Friday
2023	June 2	Friday
2024	June 7	Friday
2025	June 6	Friday
2026	June 5	Friday