The island’s unions have united to ensure that this year’s Labour Day celebration will be one to remember.

Kevin Grant, the Bermuda Public Services Union general secretary, said efforts by the Joint Labour Day Organising Committee, of which he is a member, had been significant and a host of events will be taking place under the theme “We Built this Island”.

Celebrations begin with the Annual Labour Day Golf Tournament on August 30, which will be followed by the Annual Labour Day Banquet on September 1 with Derrick Burgess as keynote speaker.

On September 3, there will be a Labour Day Worship. September 4, the official Labour Day, will be marked with a race/walk, Labour Day march and family fun day.

Mr Grant said: “It goes without saying that the theme manifests itself in the massive contribution that labour and trade unionism has played on this island.

“When we think of trade unionists, we think of Brother Ottiwell Simmons, and I am sure we will be honouring him on the day for his contributions.

“There has been a more concerted effort to have the unions involved this year. That is the reason we have been able to get the diversity of vendors and entertainment we will have during the celebrations.

“It is important to celebrate Labour Day to honour our forefathers who laid the foundations for us to enjoy the benefits we do today. We are not concentrating on any political entity or union or company — we are celebrating labour.

“There is still a way to go — the same jobs that we had back then are not the same jobs we have now. Trade unions must rejuvenate and build upon the solid foundations that have been established for us already.”