Labour Day initiatives inspire support in Clarendon and Manchester

Labour Day, May 23, was a demonstration of unity and purpose as community members, local leaders and Jamalco volunteers came together, not just to work, but to contribute to a shared vision of advancing projects in several key locations. The national theme “Protect the Environment: Our Land, Our Duty, Our Future” and the national slogan “Jamaica Nice, Protect Wi Paradise” echoed not just in words, but in action, as Jamalco reaffirmed its community commitment with sponsorship of four major projects, organisers shared in a media release.

In the community of Lancaster, Manchester, work started to erect a brand-new bus stop at the intersection of the Lancaster and Lewisfield main roads. This was done through a collaboration between Jamalco and the Lancaster Citizens’ Development Committee (CDC), the South Manchester Community Council, and local residents, and is intended to serve a dual purpose. Not only will it offer a safe and convenient shelter for students and commuters, especially during inclement weather, but it will also function as a temporary farming depot. Farmers from Lewisfield can now securely leave their produce to await pickup by merchants heading to the market.

President of the Lancaster Community Development Committee, Barry Muchette expressed gratitude, noting that residents had been advocating for this support for nearly a decade, since Jamalco’s mining operations began in the area. “We are pleased to see this plan finally come to fruition. The residents have pledged to take care of this facility as a sign of our appreciation,” he stated.

Meanwhile in Porus, the police station received a fresh coat of paint, revitalising the building and boosting morale among officers and residents alike. In Clarendon, two other significant projects were completed: A male dormitory at Vere Technical High School was repainted, creating a more welcoming environment for the students; and the Mocho Community Centre was also refreshed with a new paint job. Jamalco volunteer, Tammy Tousseeus, reflected on her contribution to this project noting, “It was wonderful to work alongside the residents to accomplish one common goal.”

Additional work is slated to take place at the Mocho Community Centre and will include plumbing repairs and the installation of a new water pump to restore water to the facility’s underground storage tank. This work will make the centre ready for income-generating activities, such as vocational training and event rentals.