By Alhaji Saidu Kamara.
Sierra Leone joined other countries around the world to celebrate Labour Day on 1st May, 2021.
The low-key program was held at the Family Kingdom at Aberdeen in Freetown, with the theme, “COVID -19 and the Future of Work in Sierra Leone”.
The celebration attracted various trade union groups in the country and it was jointly organised by the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Sierra Leone Employers Federation and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Allieu Tamba Kokobay who doubles as the Chairman of the hotel and hospitality Industry said the International Labour Day is celebrated annually on the 1st of May to honor the achievements and efforts of workers around the world and raise awareness against exploitation.
He said it is also known as MAYDAY which is celebrated all around the world with processions, marches and speeches in recognition of the important role played by workers for economic and social development.
Mr. Kokobay said the global theme for this year 2021 is the same as the theme for 2020 which is “Maintaining Safety and Security at the Work Place”.
He said the normal way of celebrating is to honour the constant contribution of workers and those that fought for it not to be suspended as a result of the Covid -19 pandemic that has plagued the entire world.
Delivering his keynote address, the Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh who deputized President Julius Maada said “we are celebrating workers day in a very low key as compared to the past where various trade unions and other workers’ associations converge and march along the major streets of Freetown but due to the Covid-19 pandemic this has not been the case this year”.
He said there is a need for us to celebrate the workers for their vital role in society, noting that without the workers there can be no development.
The VP said under the administration of President Bio, Sierra Leone has joined voices with other countries to blaze the trail in accelerating the development of human capital.
President Bio, the VP went on, is set to improve the level and quality of investments in Sierra Leone, build the country’s human capital and improve its ‘productivity.
He said Sierra Leone is among four countries in Africa that handles Covid -19 to the admiration of many European countries.
Also, Sierra Leone is among the five most peaceful countries in Africa. He noted that President Bio has restored Sierra Leone’s impressive image in the international community.
Other speakers were the President of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Alhaji Abdulai Bangura, the President of the Sierra Leone Employers Federation, Mr. Kobi Walker and the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mr. Alpha Timbo.
