Tomorrow is the International Workers' Day, generally referred to as May Day. This day was born out of a struggle for shorter work days - a demand of major political significance for the working class. Although the demand for higher wages appears to be the most prevalent cause for the earlier Workers' Days, the question of shorter hours and the right to organize were always kept in the fore when workers formulated their demands against the bosses and the government. As exploitation was becoming intensified and workers were feeling more and more the strain of inhumanly long working hours, the demand for an appreciable reduction of working hours became more pronounced.

Each year, the rest of the world joins the International Labor Organization to remember the plight of workers across the globe and those who struggle to ensure that the working class is not alienated exploited at work. In The Gambia, it has been traditional for all the workers to converge at one place to rejoice among themselves and reflect on the prevailing peace, progress and prosperity flourishing in the country.

We are grateful that the leadership of President Jammeh has engendered a climate that allows workers to become part of their institutions, as measures are put in place that bar the exploitation and marginalization of the workers from their work. As we organize yet another commemoration of Workers' Day, we should utilize the day to cement our loyalty to the state and our institutions of work, share with love ones, friends and families and continue our immense contribution to the advancement of humanity.

President Jammeh has always maintained that the satisfaction of the Gambian people is what he stands for. This has been manifested in his devotion to uplifting the living standards of the workers. It is no longer news to hear in the country about workers, particularly civil servants being motivated. Issues regarding salary increase, facilitation of mobility of workers, provision of benefits such as social security all justify the fact that an enabling environment is being provided for the Gambian working class.

In recognition of the importance of the Workers' Day and its significance to all of us, we wish the entire workforce of the country, irrespective of designation, gender or color, a happy moment in celebrating the Workers' Day. Accordingly, we would like to take this opportunity to wish our employees fruitful and fulfilling Workers' Day celebrations. We share this important day with you as we strive to build a Gambia that is devoid of discrimination and exploitation of workers.