Youth, tourism in focus during May Day celebrations

THE 2018 May Day celebrations will focus primarily on the tourism sector and the youth.

So says General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), Toni Moore, who was delivering remarks at the official launch of May Day celebrations and an expo held at Solidarity House yesterday morning.

Moore stated that the BWU is aware of the public outcry over the issue of violence among the under 30 demographic, particularly in our school population.

“The BWU is strongly of the opinion that ‘now’ is the time for us to take proactive action to put a halt to the negative behaviours, both at the level of our schools and our wider community, by our country’s programmes and support systems to nurture our young people.

“We have been making noises, but little action has been taken thus far to bring about improvements. With that in mind, we in the BWU are committed to working more closely in the future with the National Council of the Parent-Teacher Associations, the schools and other similar organisations with a view to the joint implementation of programmes that are aimed at assisting both parents and students,” she said.

Moore also explained that the tourism sector was chosen because of its significant contribution to the economy, both as a generator of employment and as the major foreign exchange earner for the country. The sector was represented by CEO of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, Rudy Grant, who fully endorsed the planned activities, which will culminate with a street parade on Tuesday.

In addition, she stated that the spotlight will also be placed on the youth, the leaders of tomorrow and the future members of the workplace.

“We have therefore invited the key players in tourism, sports and education to join with us in the May Day Street Parade in promoting and highlighting tourism’s contribution, as well as the stellar achievements of our young demographic, especially in sports.

“We are excited this year to be joined by the Barbados Football Association and the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations as we celebrate the positive contributions of our youth in sports and in promoting our march against violence, our march for peace and harmony,” she said. (JH)