 Fellow conclusions, historically the first day of May is observed in countries throughout the world as Labour Day or May Day. It is a day rich in history, full of meaning and eternal relevance. It is the day that workers pause for a moment of the job, to reflect on the journey one's travelled, to celebrate the achievements of workers and to promote and encourage the cause of the working class. It is an historic occasion promoted primarily by the International Labour Movement, which presents workers a symbolic opportunity to understand and appreciate the evolution of the working classes in our society. It reminds us as workers of the struggles and sacrifices made by the trade union movement and the Declaration in 1904, made by the International Socialist Conference in Amsterdam, calling on all social, democratic party organizations and trade unions of all countries to demonstrate energetically on the first of May for the legal establishment of the eight-hour work day for the class demands of the proletariat and for universal peace. It is important that we understand and appreciate the historical significance of the journey one's travelled, for unless we know from whence we came, we know not. Indeed, we are absolutely ignorant of where we are heading. It is Marcus Gavi who once said, A people without knowledge of the past history is like a tree without roots. Therefore, we cannot afford to remain oblivious of our history as workers, otherwise we may be doomed to repeat the failures that once plagued us. As a modern, technologically advanced society, we must not relive the sad tales of workers' toil in 12-hour work days and even 7-day weeks to earn a basic living. The often extremely unsafe working conditions with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and bricks must never be experienced in this modern time, while child labour, exploitation and slavery through strenuous and laborious work must be eliminated in all its forms in our society. We are fortunate as a small independent nation to have enacted the Labour Act, which addresses the issues of fundamental principles of employment, terms and conditions of continued employment, occupational safety and health, equality of opportunity and treatment in employment, recruitment of employees for overseas employment and work permit, trade unions and employers' organizations, and principles and procedures in industrial relations and industrial disputes. The Act, which is probably the most referenced pieces of legislation in St Lucia today, establishes the industrial relations framework for social partnership among workers, employers and workers' representatives. It was intended to consolidate and reform legislation applicable to labour and industrial relations in St Lucia and applies to all employees and all workplaces. In fact, the provisions of the Act prevail over any other enactment where there may be conflict. It serves as the most important legislative framework that is designed to preserve the rights of workers and address the modern-day issues of employer-employee relations, employment and decent work for all. In keeping with the intent of the Act and in response to today's challenges, a commitment was made on my part at the NWU's annual Congress of Delegates in June of last year, two weeks after assuming office, that a number of initiatives will be pursued to ensure that the gains worn by workers through the trade union movement are safeguarded. Among the initiatives mentioned were, one, ensuring that the legal framework that provides transparency and fairness to workers and employers is sound through a review of the labour code and that attention will be given during this first year of my stewardship. Two, that a mechanism, a tripartite arrangement, must be established to ensure that the gains worn by workers through the trade union movement are safeguarded and to increase the level of communication among all three parties to stimulate and establish a stable, conducive industrial climate. Three, undertake an assessment of the capacity and operational efficiencies of the Department of Labour and the need to develop a strategic plan for the Department with an appropriate structure to execute the plan put in place. And four, the full development of a labour market information system to facilitate the role of the Department of Labour as a provider of information on the labour market. I am pleased to indicate today that all of those initiatives have been initiated and it's my hope that by the end of this calendar year, with the support of all stakeholders including the International Labour Organization, we will have achieved the agenda previously established. However, of symbolic significance to today's observance of Labour Day is the official launch of the National Occupational Safety and Health Policy for St Lucia last Friday. This means that the government, employers and workers of St Lucia are guided by the ILO standards on occupational safety and health that provide essential tools and guidance to establish sound prevention, reporting and inspection practices to provide for maximum safety in the workplace. This action on our part signals one more step in fulfilment of the requirements of the Labour Act and one step closer in achieving our international obligations towards the attainment of Goal No. 8 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to transform the world through the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all. Therefore, on this Labour Day, let us reflect on our achievements together and at the same time, look purposefully forward to the future to the opportunities which present themselves to creating an even more conducive environment for workers and their relationship with employers and with civil society. Therefore, with those realities confronting us and a renewed commitment to the cause of workers, let us continue our engagement in the process of reconstruction and strengthening of the industrial environment here in St Lucia. My fellow workers, let us follow a plan of action that would promote smoother relationships, greater productivity and satisfaction at the workplace. Undeniably, this endeavour is more than worthwhile. Therefore, on this memorable day, I exhort all workers of our beautiful country to engage into some introspection and plan a response that will only redown to the benefit of ourselves, our workplace and our country. Please accept my very best wishes for Labour Day 2017. I thank you.