The Tribune

GIVING thanks for an opportunity to submit the nation's labour issues to prayer, Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson paid tribute to leaders in the National Congress of Trade Unions and the Bahamas Communication and Public Officers Union during a service at Salem Baptist Union Church.

A number of trade union stalwarts were being honoured for their accomplishments in protecting essential service workers from exploitation.

Mr Gibson said: "I am a firm believer of Phillipians 4, verse 15, which says, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'. As minister with responsibility for industrial relations, I take this opportunity to pledge to work with employers, unions and indeed all of our social parties, to forge closer ties that will unite us in one common purpose. That is to build our country and protect the rights of all."

He told the congregation there is much work to be done, and that the ministry has taken the proactive approach by meeting with unions with a view to accommodating their opinions in his "Plan of Action".

"My brothers and sisters, I have determined that the mountain that divides us must be crushed. We need each other. A house divided will fall. A company divided by opposing factions will fail," said Mr Gibson.

"On the other hand, there's nothing out of our reach if we work together and build on a strong foundation already established by the blood, sweat, and tears of the labour giants that have gone on before us."

He asked for God's guidance in his relations with workers and employers, and reminded those gathered that higher education is not a requirement for giving "service above self".

"The prosperity, peace, and quality of life which we all desire will be ours today, as well as the inheritance of the next generation. My earnest desire is that the Lord will hear our prayer and he will show us the way.

"The legendary pastor, ministers, and members of this historic church, I am indeed delighted to worship with you this morning. Thank you for an opportunity to address your congregation," said Mr Gibson.

"The road to greatness is paved with service. Jesus taught his disciples that he that is greatest is a servant to all.

"And in the words of the great civil rights leader, Dr Martin Luther King, 'You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love'."