Youth Minister Says Thanks

Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, has lauded the work and support from volunteers for this year’s Labour Day projects.

“Today we are humbled and we are so proud of the outpouring of support which came through the projects that were undertaken,” Minister Hanna said in her Thank You Labour Day message.

Touching on the work done at the national project at the Rudolph Elder Park in St. Thomas, Ms. Hanna said that she was heartened by the level of support that came from all stakeholders.

“The local community in St. Thomas, individuals and small businesses and groups responded to the call to action this Labour Day by committing funds, time and in-kind resources to the project,” she said. She also commended the South African High Commission for the gift, concrete benches, fruit trees and ornamental plants, donated for the Rudolph Elder Park.

Ms. Hanna, who is also chairperson of the National Labour Day Planning Committee, said she was proud of the work done by the Jamaica Defence Force, the National Youth Service, the Social Development Commission and representatives of the ministries and agencies, which made up the Planning Committee.

“I commend all persons from all sectors of society , government and non-government organisations, volunteers and the community groups that worked hard today to repair and build child friendly spaces and who I know will continue to promote the adage that it takes a village to raise a child,” she added.

The Minister said that she was extremely proud of the work done on projects which created spaces for children to play and enjoy.

“This included work done on the Widow’s Mite Home in St. Ann, the creation of a park in Waterford Portmore, the building of a kiddies Park in Cornwall Court in St. James and the National Project at the Rudolph Elder Park in St Thomas,” she added.

The Minister also reminded Jamaicans “to pay special attention to our children’s needs, for guidance, mentorship and protection.”

“Protecting our children is everyone’s responsibility,” she emphasised.

Labour Day was observed under the theme: ‘Labour of Love: Nurturing Our Children’.