Jamaicans urged to reconnect with values

OCHO RIOS — Jamaicans are being urged to continuously reconnect with the principles and the values that have helped the society to advance.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen made the appeal in a message, read by  Custos of St. Ann, Hon. Radcliffe Walters, at the National Workers’ Week and Labour Day Thanksgiving Service, held Sunday, May 15, at the Ocho Rios Methodist Church, in St. Ann.

“The theme for Workers’ Week and Labour Day, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’,  is a timely reminder that as a people, we need to continuously reconnect with the principles and the values that make our society work,” the Governor-General said.

“The spirit of caring and sharing; working together towards a common goal and working together in times of need are a part of our National psyche and will be on display throughout Workers’ Week and on Labour Day,”  he added.

He emphasised that the building of team spirit and collective responsibility are needed on a constant basis, so that every child can identify positive attributes in the persons within their communities.

“While your Labour Day project might be completed in a day, the task of guiding a child towards fulfilling his or her potential and becoming a productive and outstanding member of the society is an ongoing effort and requires unity of purpose,” the Governor- General said.

Turning to the National Pledge, which is a reminder for Jamaicans to work diligently and creatively, he expressed the hope that at the end of Labour Day, Jamaicans will feel empowered and confident of their ability to do what they can to make their community and by extension, the nation, a remarkable success.

Among those present at the service were, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange; Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon.  Pearnel Charles; State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Shahine Robinson; and Member of Parliament for South East St. Ann, Lisa Hanna, who represented  Leader of the Opposition.

National Workers’ Week is being observed this year from May 15 to May 23.

By ALDEEN CAMPBELL, JIS REGIONAL OFFICE