In a note, the Ministry of Communication recalls that "May 1st originated in the struggle of thousands of workers who sacrificed their lives to obtain rights. It is a day of commemoration for those brave men who shed their blood for the dignity of work. This day pays tribute to workers for their role in the socio-economic life of the world.

May 1st is a day of reflection around demands for working in safety, increasing production while strengthening quality and benefiting from social advantages. This day calls for a spirit of solidarity between employers and employees for the well-being of society.

In Haiti, May 1st (National Day) dedicated to the mass of workers, is also dedicated to agriculture. The Feast of Agriculture was retained by the Constitution of 1816, in its Article 34.

It is a tradition to celebrate Labor and Agriculture Day in Haiti with gastronomy and production fairs where social organizations from the agricultural and artisan sectors present their works. The trade union movement also revives during this period the problems encountered, through conference-debates or awareness-raising and mobilization activities. Some schools organize reforestation campaigns. Several civic-minded activities are organized despite certain difficulties [...]"

IH/ iciHaiti