Jamaicans are being urged to lend their support to the national project and other activities to be undertaken at the parish and community levels on Labour Day, May 23.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, made the call in her address at the National Workers’ Week and Labour Day thanksgiving service at the Olson Memorial Church of God in Kingston today (May 15).

Ms. Grange said Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, social and service clubs, schools, churches and community groups, are being encouraged to join the effort.

The National Labour Day project will take place in the Portmore communities of Gregory Park, Washington Mews and Christian Pen, and will involve major clean-up of gullies and drains, and identifying and destroying mosquito breeding sites.

Minister Grange said the clean-up effort is in keeping with the economic growth priority of the Government, which is predicated on, among other things, maintaining a healthy environment. She noted that there is a commitment to eradicating vector-borne diseases.

The Minister used the occasion to pay homage to iconic Jamaicans, who have left an indelible mark on the quality of the Jamaican labour force “through the promotion of decent work and advocacy for the right of our workers to a healthy and comfortable working environment.”

National Workers’ Week is being observed under the theme:  ‘For Health’s Sake…Keep It Clean.’  Activities culminate on Labour Day.

The thanksgiving service was hosted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

Among those in attendance were: Acting Custos Rotulorum for St. Andrew, Lt. Commander John McFarlane, representing Governor General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Pearnel Charles, representing Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness; and Leader of the Opposition, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller.