IN JAMAICA: Several Labour Day projects across island...National focus was placed on the Rudolph Elder Park in Morant Bay, St Thomas.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015    

DESPITE a decrease in participation, there were a number of activities across the island yesterday as Jamaicans joined hands to carry out Labour Day projects to enhance and rehabilitate recreational sites and play areas for children.

Mayor of Montego Bay Glendon Harris (left) looks on as
 volunteers carry out landscaping work yesterday at
 Cornwall Court Kiddies Park — the St James parish 
project for Labour Day.

National focus was placed on the Rudolph Elder Park in Morant Bay, St Thomas. This is not the first time the site, rich in history, received major attention, as some eight years ago the park was given a $2-million facelift, inclusive of the installation of sanitary facilities and LED lights.

Dr Janice Lindsay, principal director of culture and creative industries in the Policy Division of the Ministry of Youth and Culture -- which spearheaded Labour Day activities -- said with only $150,000 allocated to each parish project, corporate Jamaica played a significant role in the activities carried out at the park.

"We needed them (corporate Jamaica) on board... or we could not have done half of what we have. We are very happy with how corporate Jamaica, and other areas, have really responded," she told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

Dr Lindsay said another remarkable development was the response of ordinary Jamaicans. "I've never seen this kind of response. People reached out to us," she noted, pointing out that 400 volunteers were expected, but up to late afternoon at least 600 had registered, inclusive of community groups, led by the Social Development Commission. She noted that army and police personnel were also among the volunteers.

"We are pleased that we got through so much of the scope of works," she said, adding that, although it was not anticipated that there would be any unfinished works, uniformed groups such as the National Youth Service, guided by the parish council, would complete any work that was left unfinished. "But for the most part, we will be finished. One of the important things is that the site is managed by the parish council, so there has to be accountability," she stated. more