St. Ann Labour Day Projects Well Supported

Labour Day activities in St. Ann were well supported, as residents turned out in large numbers on May 25, to participate in various projects across the parish.
Over 40 projects were registered in the parish and the scope of work included the planting of trees, bushing of sidewalks, painting of bus sheds and the cleaning-up of tank sites.
The parish project, which was also one of the six national projects, was the sprucing up of the St. Ann’s Bay Hospital.
On hand at the national project was the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, who was actively involved in the work being done.
“I must say that I am very impressed and very happy about the turn out that we see here this morning and for all the persons who have volunteered and are involved in this project,” Miss Grange said.
She said that the support for the St. Ann’s Bay Hospital would not just be for a short term, but would be sustained.
“We have installed two water coolers and there are other things that need to be done and we will be looking at those things after Labour Day is past,” she said, thanking the volunteers who came out to give their support, and also the Minister of State in the OPM and Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Shahine Robinson, for partnering with the Labour Day Secretariat to ensure that the project was carried out.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Robinson told JIS News that the project was of major importance, as the hospital not only served the parish of St. Ann, but the entire Northeast Health Region.
“The volunteers are numerous, and it really speaks of a good national spirit to serve. We are encouraged and we just want to say to anybody else who wants to help; don’t wait until Labour Day, the hospital is here every day and you can come and volunteer and do your part,” she appealed.
Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Ian Jarrett, said he was happy for the scope of work done. “It augurs well for a more comfortable environment and it will be a more pleasant place for somebody to come to work and also for the healing process,” he said.
One resident of St. Ann’s Bay, Carol Harrison, told JIS News that the success of the project was an indication of the development that could be realised when people worked together.
“I took time out for a very worthy cause, which I believe is very enlightening and good for the development of the area of St. Ann’s Bay and I am hoping that it will continue, not only for today but the work will go on throughout,” she said.
Another resident, Evelyn Griffith, said that she was feeling good about the work at the hospital and for the way in which persons united to get the job done.
National Labour Day 2009 was observed under the theme: ‘Ketch the Vibes: Volunteerism, Intervention, Beautification, Empowerment for Success’.