Grange Announces Major Labour Day Projects

KINGSTON — The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange, MP has said that she is satisfied with the support of the Local Government authorities in organising Labour Day projects in the municipalities this year.

The Government of Jamaica is encouraging voluntary work on Labour Day – Monday, 23 May 2011 – focusing on the care and protection of children.

Once again, instead of one national labour day project, the Government is giving support to 14 projects for national attention – one in each municipality.

The 14 projects for national attention are being organised through partnership involving the National Labour Day Secretariat (in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture), municipal authorities, Government Agencies, the private sector and community based organisations.

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

Additionally, individuals, churches, companies, clubs, community and service organisations are also organising projects.

So far, 300 projects have been registered across the country.

Minister Grange said:

“I’ve heard that 300 projects were registered up to a few days ago and I am encouraged by that.  I expect that there will be many more by Monday when we will all be working for the children of Jamaica.

“The information we have been getting suggests that the projects will address a range of issues related to children; and we’re happy for that.

“I am proud of the work that everybody has been putting into making sure that Labour Day is a success again this year; but I must say a special word of congratulations to all our Mayors and their teams who have been motivating and encouraging the people in their municipalities to get involved with Labour Day."

Labour Day and Workers’ Week 2011 (May 15 to 23) are being observed in the context of the Government’s observance of the International Year of People of African Descent.  As such, the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” was chosen for this year’s theme.

Additionally, the African Missions resident in Jamaica – Senegal, Nigeria and South Africa – will participate in the Labour Day activities.

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."

People who wish to participate in any of the projects for national attention, or to register their own projects may call 618-5133 or 978-7881 or register online at www.jis.gov.jm/labourday.