Jamaicans Urged to Beautify the Land This Labour Day

The Ministry of Youth and Culture has launched Workers Week and Labour Day 2014, and is encouraging Jamaicans to uplift communities on May 23, under the theme, ‘Take a stand… Beautify our Land’.

A number of activities are planned, such as a Church Service to be held on May 18, at the Covenant Moravian Church, in Kingston, starting at 9:00 a.m., and a Public Forum , beginning at 6:00 p.m., at Emancipation Park , to recognize employees during this year’s Workers Week, which is being celebrated from May 18 to 23.

The National Labour Day project will be the Climate Change Park, in Portmore, St. Catherine.

Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, who addressed the launch at Jamaica House, on Wednesday, May 7, emphasized that it is crucial that all Jamaicans make an impact in protecting the natural resources.

“So, if you have environmental issues in your communities, let us get out there and address them. Let us not use Labour Day, as a time of rest, use it as a time of work to galvanize the best of who we are,” the Minister said.

Ms. Hanna also encouraged persons to avail themselves for other projects in their communities.

There will also be a focus on beautifying police stations and posts across the island.

Parish Councils and the Social Development Commission (SDC) will be facilitating the registration of projects at the parish level, and their personnel will also be actively involved on the day with the various work activities in the communities.

“These entities will also be very active in mobilizing the community members to volunteer and participate in the projects, which will see communities working with the security forces to beautify various police stations and posts,” stated Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Noel Arscott.

Meanwhile, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon Derrick Kellier, emphasized the need for work to be put into Labour Day.

“We continue to see the contribution of the nation’s workers as important to Jamaica’s broad development and prosperity. The fact is that every minute engaged in work is a minute contributing to the economy of our beloved country,” the Minister said.

“As citizens, we all benefit from your important national contribution, and Workers’ Week is our way of showing the nation’s gratitude,” he added.