Grange: All set for Labour Day 2011

Kingston – The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange, MP has said that "all is set" for Labour Day 2011 tomorrow (Monday).

Minister Grange said that the National Labour Day Secretariat, which operates from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, had "provided grants to all 14 projects for national focus and had delivered supplies to all municipalities."

Instead of one national labour day project, the Government has again decided to give support to 14 projects for national attention – one in each municipality.

Labour Day Projects for national attention:

1. Clarendon – Daisy Thompson Basic School, Chapelton
2. Hanover – West Haven Children's Home for the Mentally Challenged
3. KSAC – Unity Square, Lawrence Tavern
4. Manchester – Woodlawn School of Special Education
5. Portland – Port Antonio Hospital
6. Portmore – Windsor School of Special Education
7. St Ann – Beecher Town All Age School
8. St Catherine – Crescent Basic School
9. St Elizabeth – Balaclava Primary School
10. St James – Montego Bay Boys and Girls Club
11. St Mary – Children's Ward, Port Maria Hospital
12. St Thomas – Spring Garden Primary School
13. Trelawny – Troy Primary and Basic School
14. Westmoreland – Clifton Boys Home, Darliston

The 14 projects for national attention are being organised through partnership involving the National Labour Day Secretariat, municipal authorities, and several  public and private sector organisations and individuals who have donated supplies.

Minister Grange said that based on registrations received by at the Secretariat, "MPs and Councillors were giving good support by leading projects across the island."  According to the Minister, "we have also seen many projects registered by churches, clubs, companies, communities and other organisations."

The theme for Labour Day this year is the African proverb "It takes a village to raise a child" and the Government is encouraging voluntary work with an emphasis on the care and protection of children.

The African proverb was chosen in celebration of 2011 being declared by the United Nations as the International Year of People of African descent.

The African Missions in Jamaica – Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa – will participate in Labour Day activities this year.

The South African High Commission will work with the St Patrick's Foundation in Seaview Gardens in a project described as 'enhancing the community, making it healthier for our children by planting trees'.  They will also participate in a treat for the children following the work, which includes encircling and painting metal drums around the plants.

The South African High Commissioner, Her Excellency Mathu Joyini, had hosted 25 children from Ardenne and Excelsior at her residence on Friday and engaged them in a quiz on history and culture.  The High Commissioner awarded prizes for correct answers.

The Association of Nigerians in Jamaica will work with the Jamaica Library Service to give the branch library in Montego Bay, St James a facelift.  The scope of work includes reinforcing the foundation of a storage container, repainting the car park lines of demarcation and removing debris from the entire premises.  

Meanwhile, the Nigerian High Commissioner, His Excellency Peter Oyedele, will participate in the painting of the Half-Way-Tree Primary School.  The Nigerian High Commission will also distribute 4,000 books to selected schools.  

The Senegal Ambassador, Her Excellency Nafissatou Diagne, will join Minister Grange on a tour of projects for national attention.

Minister Grange said:
"I am delighted that the African Missions in Jamaica will work with us on Monday for the children. I think it is a great show of friendship and solidarity as we work at the community level for the care and protection of our children."

Minister Grange thanked the many sponsors who have donated supplies and other gifts.  Our sponsors "have ensured that we will be able to have a successful labour day," she said.

"I wish to express gratitude everyone who has already signed up to do work on Labour Day, and I want to encourage others who haven't done so yet, to join us and let us all work as one people for the children of the nation."

Support for Labour Day2011 projects has been provided by: Barco Enterprises, Faboso Traders, Kendel Trading, GlaxoSmithKline, Poly Foods Limited, Caribbean Broilers, Armour, Metal Fencing, CALS Manufacturing, FLOW, Forestry Department, Rototech, Tank Weld, San Merna Paper Products, Sherwin Williams, Berger Paints, Crystal Bakery, Coleyville Bakery, Southside Distributors Ltd, Albert Chow, Pepsi, Tropicair Metal Products, Mothers Patties, Jamaica Spring Water, Purity, United Pastry, National Works Agency, Department of Local Government, Anwill Enterprises, Happy Ice, GraceKennedy, Jamaica Biscuit Company, Jamaica Red Cross, NSWMA and Jack Palace Grocery.