A few days ago, in preparation for Labour Day, I collected my plants from the Forestry Department. This is one of them, the national flower of Jamaica, the Lignum Vitae.
The lignum Vitae symbolizes strength, endurance, and healing, and is a protected species which we cherish as part of our natural and cultural heritage.
I will be planting this tree as part of my personal labour day project.
This year, our theme, “Protect the Environment: Our Land, Our Duty, Our Future,” and our rallying call, “Jamaica Nice, Protect Wi Paradise,” remind us of the importance of both our labour and the land we call home.
Labour Day in Jamaica holds a special place in our history, a day born out of the struggle for workers’ rights and the broader quest for social and economic justice. It traces its origins to the historic labour uprisings of 1938, a pivotal moment when the voices of ordinary Jamaicans echoed with a fierce demand for dignity, fair wages, and better working conditions.
That uprising, led by courageous workers and supported by visionary leaders like Sir Alexander Bustamante, marked the birth of the modern trade union movement and the dawn of our journey toward full independence. Today, we honour the spirit of those brave men and women whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the rights we enjoy today. Their legacy is a powerful reminder that our progress as a nation is deeply rooted in the courage and resilience of our workers.