Labour Day workers tackle Port Antonio Hospital
Published:Wednesday | May 25, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:
HUNDREDS OF volunteers from just about every agency, organisation, and civil-society group, turned out at the Port Antonio hospital on Labour Day to give the premier health facility a much-needed beautification and facelift.
Headed by the mayor of Port Antonio, Floyd Patterson, the volunteers started to arrive at the health facility from as early as 7:45 a.m. Monday, eager to start painting the hospital's outer walls, the paediatric and maternity wards, along with the cutting of lawns, and the removal of garbage.
"The turnout is overwhelming," commented Bentley Steer, parish manager of Portland's health services. He added: "The work being done will enhance the beauty of this hospital, and we are grateful to the many volunteers, and also to the hospital support staff, who took time out to volunteer their services."
community volunteers
Volunteers from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the National Youth Service, the Port Antonio Red Cross, Portland Parish Council, various community youth clubs, the police, along with the political directorate, were engaged in either painting, cutting of grass, removal of plastic materials, scrubbing of walls, beautification, and the planting of trees at the hospital.
And although the inclement weather disrupted the activities from time to time, the volunteers, who were determined to complete the facelift and beautification work, braved the weather to complete the task.
Earlier, Jamaica Labour Party caretaker Patrick Lee lauded the effort of volunteers, and urged them to continue the same level of unity, friendship, and spirit throughout their communities.
In identical fashion, his political rival, Dr Linvale Bloomfield, also commended the effort of the volunteers, and encouraged them to undertake similar projects in their community, despite their political differences.