Three Ministries Join Forces to Ensure Successful Labour Day

Three ministries of government are collaborating to ensure that this year's Labour Day activities are successful.

These are Youth and Culture, Labour and Social Security, and Local Government and Community Development.

(Related Story: Parish Councils Take Lead in Registering Labour Day Projects)

Principal Director of Culture in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Sydney Bartley, stated that out of recognition that aspects of Labour Day will encompass agencies under the various ministries, a decision was made to work together to ensure a synergy of purpose.

“Labour Day is a tripartite arrangement,” he stated at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank held recently, at the agency’s Half-Way-Tree Road headquarters.

Labour Day 2012 is being observed under the theme: ‘Step Forward…Make Jamaica Beautiful’ with a focus on the cleaning of communities and public spaces.

It is anticipated that works will include creation and refreshing of public gardens, bushing, painting, and removal of garbage.

Mr. Bartley, who has oversight for Labour Day activities, said that the Local Government Ministry has indicated that the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) will be making some trucks available for the removal of garbage and other debris.

He is however encouraging private truck owners to volunteer the use of their vehicles for the day, noting that this will be integral to the clean-up effort. Those who wish to do so are urged to register with their local parish council.

Mr. Bartley informed that representatives of the parish councils and the Social Development Commission (SDC) will be very active in the communities on Labour Day. “You can’t do Labour Day without those two organisations,” he stated.

He is encouraging individuals, communities, and the various service groups to engage in some level of community work, no matter how small, for Labour Day. 

Projects can be registered at the local parish council office or on-line at www.jis.gov.jm/labourday.

Persons can also call 754-0992-9 or 920-8152; or email communications@mlge.gov.jmor amitto@mlge.gov.jmto register their projects.

By O. Rodger Hutchinson, JIS PRO