Poor Labour Day turnout in Mandeville
Published:Wednesday | May 25, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Angelo Laurence, Gleaner Writer
MANDEVILLE, Manchester:
THE FOUNDING fathers of Labour Day would be very disappointed with the low turnout of persons in the parish to give a hand with the more than 70 listed projects.
When The Gleaner visited the heart of the town, except for contract workers upgrading the Mandeville Park, unlike years gone by, there was no Labour Day activity, although some major establishments were open and doing brisk business.
Councillor for the New Green division, McArthur Collins, did not mince words in expressing his disgust with the lack of involvement by the business community.
"Nobody is asking them for their money; just show some civic pride and clean up and paint up their area, that's all," said Collins.
Mayor Brenda Ramsay, who was helping to carry out upgrading and painting activities at the Woodlawn School of Special Education, was, however, appreciative of the nearly 30 persons who made their contribution. The school caters to students who need special assistance in learning, due to physical or other medical impairments.
Ramsay expressed gratitude to Sommerset Enterprise, cable provider Flow, Billy Shagoury of May Pen and Windalco, which were among the few commercial entities that participated in Labour Day projects in the parish. She also expressed concern about the decrease in the number of persons and companies taking part in the activities.
She attributed the low turnout to a growing trend of "lack of civic pride" and a general "malaise" in the society. Communities, she said, must take responsibility and do what they can to uplift their environment. This, she said, does not need "high finance", just an exhibition of old-fashioned civic pride.