Inspiring Community Spirit on Display During Labour Day Project at Park Mountain Primary School

The St. Elizabeth Labour Day Parish Project at Park Mountain Primary and Infant School on Thursday (May 23) was marked by an inspiring display of community spirit and dedication to inclusivity. 

Executed under the theme ‘Ramp Up Di Access… Show That You Care’, the day’s activities aimed to enhance the school’s physical infrastructure to provide better access for the institution’s current and future vulnerable and disabled stakeholders. 

The event saw a robust turnout from community members and representatives of various agencies, including the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Social Development Commission (SDC), Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB). 

Mayor of Black River and Municipal Corporation Chairman, Councillor Richard Solomon, told JIS News that the theme was most fitting, as disabled persons are unique and should not be isolated or denied service due to physical limitations. 

Instead, he said that “they should be cared for”, hence the Corporation’s commitment to constructing ramps at Park Mountain Primary, thereby ensuring that students, staff and visitors can better access the various classrooms and entire school compound.  

“So, I really appreciate the theme for this year and, in that light, we are ensuring that we would have done the project in that line,” Councillor Solomon further stated.  

The Mayor expressed heartfelt gratitude for the contributions of the various volunteers, noting the spirit of collaboration and dedication to helping the vulnerable that the turnout represented. 

Councillor for the Santa Cruz Division, where the parish project is located, Christopher Williams, shared his pride in the engagement while noting the significant effort put into the preparations.  

“When we heard of the national theme for Labour Day, we thought it was fitting since [Park Mountain Primary and Infant School] hasn’t really had any ramps in place that would basically accommodate or facilitate persons with disabilities,” he indicated. 

Councillor Williams added that the workers laboured tirelessly up to midnight on Wednesday (May 22) to ensure that all the preparations were in place for activities on Labour Day. 

“The principal and the teachers [are] elated, and I know, definitely, that the students, too, will be very grateful for this effort. It’s a great initiative and I must thank the Municipal Corporation for affording the opportunity for the Santa Cruz Division to have the parish project this year,” Councillor Williams said. 

Principal of Park Mountain Primary, Carlene Williams-Heath, echoed similar sentiments of joy and appreciation.  

She pointed out that with 483 students, 26 teachers and 10 support staff members, the new ramps are a blessing for all, especially those needing extra care.  

The Principal added that cleaning the school and giving it a facelift was also a welcome gesture. 

“Voluntourism is, indeed, something that is great to be a part of. [I was] happy to see community members… to see the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation personnel here, and [other] persons making Park Mountain Primary and Infant school look better,” Mrs. Williams-Heath underscored.  

She was optimistic that the volunteers’ efforts will yield positive student educational outcomes and, ultimately, upstanding citizens, as “excellence is our mandate”.