Labour Day in Guyana

adapted from a paper i wrote for tst 224 class

Labour Day is celebrated on the First of May every year in Guyana. It is an international observance that commemorates the struggles of workers and their significant input into society. Labour Day originated in 1889 in Paris, where the first congress of the Second Socialists International meeting decided to celebrate, on an international scale, a Worker’s Day.[1]

The First celebration of Labour Day in then, British Guiana was during the 1930’s. It was organized by the British Guiana Labour Union. The first parade commenced at Bourda Green and ended at Independence Park. Led by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the participants all wore red shirts and white pants or skirts. The colour red is representative of workers, fallen in past struggles.[2]

Labour Day was usually celebrated after work. Then on the 12^th of February, 1958, a motion was passed making May 1^st a Public Holiday in Guyana. In 1978, the traditional Labour Day celebrations were renamed ‘May Day,’ in honor of the Critchlow who died in May 1958.[3]

Some activities to celebrate Labour day in the past in Guyana, are: the crowning of the May Queen; And the observance of Critchlow week. Critchilow week started off one week before May 1^st with a wreath laying Ceremony at Crithiolow statue. This is no longer in observance although the wreath laying Ceremony continues. Most importantly is the annual Parade. During the 1980’s, school children and members of Youth Organizations also took part in the annual parade. [4]

The annual parade commences at Parade Ground and ends at various rallies. At these rallies, Politicians and various members of the Labour Unions and Public give speeches on issues concerning labour. In 2009, after the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana rally at the national park, various cultural presentations were given to entertain the crowd. These included a Karate Show, Indian dancing, drumming and a comic presentation by Henry Rodney.[5]

Labour Day is not usually viewed as a 'Tourist Attraction,' however it can be developed into one of the activities on Labour Day are made more interesting. I also found out that Labour Day is a coastal thing, it is not observed in the interior the the people there just take it as a holiday.

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[1] “History of May Day.” Chronicle. 27/04/1980. p. 13

[2] May Day Rally. Georgetown: Design and Graphics, 1981.

[3] “May Day celebration to honour Critchlow.” Chronicle. 24/04/1978. p.9.

[4] Campbell, Nils. “May Day – 40 years ago.” Chronicle. 01/05/1982 p. 8,9.

[5] “President Jagdeo joins hundreds at May Day activities.” Chronicle. 02/05/2009.