Portmore Communities to Benefit from National Labour Day Project

Two Portmore communities will benefit from the National Labour Day Project, which will see major clean-up activities to identify and eradicate mosquito breeding sites.

This was revealed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who launched National Workers’ Week and Labour Day at a ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister, today (May 6).

The communities – Gregory Park and Washington Mews– will have volunteers and representatives from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Ministry of Health carrying out cleaning-up activities during National Workers’ Week, from May 15 to Labour Day, May 23.

Mr. Holness made a special appeal for residents of Portmore to volunteer to help with the initiative.

“Together we will try to have an impact on breeding sites for mosquitoes and to reduce the spread of the Zika virus in Jamaica,” he said.

Portmore recorded five of the six verified cases of the vector-borne Zika Virus in Jamaica.

The Prime Minister noted that  due to the dense population and large network of marshes and drains in the area, the area is at high risk for transmission of the disease.

“This is a good rationale for locating the national project there. The Government is very sensitive to the cries of the people of Portmore about greater vector control,” he said.

Along with the bushing and clearing of drains, old appliances will be removed, a sewerage drain is to be reconstructed, and an entrance sign to the Washington Mews community will be repainted.

Some 135 homes will be visited by teams from the Ministry of Health who will inspect  and advise residents on proper domestic care and how to prevent mosquito breeding. The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) will also be on site to cart away debris cleared.

The Gregory Park Basic School will receive cleaning, bushing and painting as well as general landscaping. The school’s play area will also be rehabilitated.

Mr. Holness said he has given instruction to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development for particular focus to be placed on Portmore communities for the long term, in ensuring drains are cleaned and that there is routine fogging.

He also called for the establishment of a voluntary group in  Portmore that will drive activities to sustain clean-up initiatives beyond the National Labour Day Project.

National Workers’ Week and Labour Day are being observed under the theme: ‘For Health’s Sake, Keep it Clean’. It focuses on the concept of linking healthy outcomes to a clean environment.

The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport is also collaborating to coordinate the series of activities for the Week, through a Labour Day Secretariat which undertakes administrative, promotional and operational responsibilities.

In addition to the National Labour Day Project, there will be a Workers’ Week Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, May 15; islandwide labour day projects led by Mayors, Councillors, Members of Parliament and civil society; and a gospel concert at Ranny Williams Centre on Labour Day.