Randol Fawkes Labor Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday in June. This year, it falls on June 7. The day is so named because of Sir Randol Fawkes’ contribution to making the day a reality for the people of the Bahamas. As other nations had started celebrating Labor Day, there was a need for someone to advocate for it on behalf of all workers in the Bahamas. The day is marked as a public holiday and all workers in the Bahamas get to take the day off. This allows them to spend the day having fun with their families or friends.
History of Randol Fawkes Labour Day
Sir Randol Francis Fawkes was born on March 20, 1924. He was a Bahamian politician, trade unionist, and lawyer who served as a member of Parliament for the St. Barnabas constituency. He also served as a Cabinet Minister in the first Pindling government for a short period.
Fawkes is referred to as “the father of Labor” in the Bahamas for his efforts in establishing the trade union movement in the country. In 1961, he successfully passed a bill through the House of Assembly that established Labor Day as a public holiday. He advocated for the Bahamas to have a Labor Day as he thought a day should be set aside to celebrate the workers who ensure the progress of the country. The day has been observed ever since then.
Fawkes’ contributions to the trade union movement and the Bahamas were so notable that Queen Elizabeth knighted him in 1978. Sir Randol Fawkes sadly passed away in the year 2000 and to honor him, senators passed a bill in 2013 to rename the Labor Day holiday Randol Fawkes Labor Day.
To celebrate the day, a parade is held. Members of political parties and the labor unions from different organizations march in this large parade through the streets of downtown Nassau. The parade then ends at the Southern Recreation Grounds, where speeches are given by the union leaders and local politicians. As recently as 2020, Sir Randol Fawkes received the posthumous award for the Order of National Hero in the National Honors Awards, the nation’s top honor.
Randol Fawkes Labour Day timeline
Fawkes is born on March 20.
Fawkes successfully passes a bill through the House of Assembly to establish Labor Day as a public holiday in the Bahamas.
Queen Elizabeth knights Fawkes for his contributions to the trade union movement and the Bahamas.
Senators pass a bill to rename the Labor Day holiday Randol Fawkes Labor Day.
Randol Fawkes Labour Day FAQs
Is the Bahamas part of the U.S?
The Bahamas is not part of the U.S. It is a self-administered, independent county that forms part of the U.N., the Organization of American States, and the Caribbean Community.
How old is the Bahamas?
The Bahamas is approximately 200 million years old.
Is the Bahamas a rich or poor country?
The country is the richest in the West Indies. It is ranked number 14 in North America for nominal G.D.P.
How to Observe Randol Fawkes Labour Day
Visit the Bahamas
Visit the Bahamas to celebrate Randol Fawkes Labor Day. The Bahamas is one of the biggest tourist sites in the world, so you know there will be lots to see and do there.
Watch the parade
The yearly parade is always nice to watch. If you love bands and vibrant colors, this is an activity for you.
Spread awareness
Celebrate the day by spreading awareness. You can do this by letting others know by word of mouth or through social media.
5 Interesting Facts About The Bahamas
It has about 700 islands
It is made up of a chain of about 700 islands of which 30 are inhabited.
The Bahamas is a former British colony
The Bahamas was a British colony from 1718 to 1973 when they gained independence on July 10.
Most of its citizens are Christian
About 95% of the country’s citizens are Christian.
The flamingo is its national bird
It has about 370 bird species and chose to use the flamingo as the national bird.
The U.S.D. is accepted in the Bahamas
The Bahamian dollar is the national currency of the Bahamas but the U.S.D. is accepted in many places.
Why Randol Fawkes Labour Day is Important
It celebrates fair workers’ rights
Randol Fawkes Labor Day is a reminder to ensure fair rights for all workers. Everyone should be treated fairly, no matter what their job is.
It gives us a break from work
Randol Fawkes Labor Day gives everyone a break from work. A break is always welcome to rest and refresh the mind.
It is a fun day
With the numerous things available to do, it’s no surprise that the people of the Bahamas love this day. They can stay indoors, partake in the fun activities on offer, or go on a road trip.
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 |
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