I ,..
Address by
Prime Minister
Most Honourable P.J. Patterson, ON, PC, QC, MP
At
Salutations.
National Labour Day Launch
Kings House
Wednesday April 16, 2003
On Labour Day the world over, focus is placed on marking the gains
of the Labour movement. This is as true for ours as it is for any
other country. Indeed, historically, the progress of organised Labour
in Jamaica has paralleled our social and economic development, and
the opportunity to celebrate the contribution of workers is welcomed.
A new dimension was, however, introduced in the 1970s, which
allowed for the celebration to embrace also the spirit of volunteerism
amongst citizens. Starting then, this spirit, long recognized as being
of critical importance to the strengthening of the social fabric of our
nation, has been bolstered by official sanction, and concretized
through the voluntary organization of National and Community
Labour Day Projects throughout the length and breadth of the Island.
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Over the years, these projects have created vital community
infrastructure island-wide and permanent landmarks, reminding us of
the value and worth of voluntary efforts and epitomizing the level of
accomplishment possible through unified community endeavor.
At the same time they have promoted more socially cohesive
communities, reinforcing the dearly held values which form the
backbone of Jamaican resilience, and from which the character of
generations has been shaped.
This spirit and these values are in desperate need of renewal in our
country today, if we are to combat the creeping disorder and
selfishness, which is threatening to pervade our fibre as a nation, the
dire consequences of which are already becoming evident.
If we recognize that the battle must begin with our children, the
significance of the focus on Early Childhood Education for Labour Day
2003 becomes clear. On a previous occasion I have stated that
1t is of the utmost importance in the process of nation building,
that every Jamaican by the age of twelve, passes through a
common cultural and educational experience, which defines
them as Jamaican.
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It is this experience in the formative years, which will facilitate
the inculcation of positive values and attitudes for life. '
In pursuance of the stated goals, I have given the commitment that
by 2004 my administration will ensure that there is full enrolment at
the early childhood level between ages four and five. We are well on
the way to meeting these targets.
We are further committed to funding all recognized basic schools L
the same level as government infant schools and infant departmehts,
which implies standardization of the sector. The recently passed
Early Childhood Commission Bill represents a major step in this
direction. It also establishes minimum standards for Basic Schools,
including both the quality of staffing and of infrastructure.
This must have come as good news to communities, which have
traditionally undertaken aspects of early childhood education. But
while avenues have always been and will remain open for the
community to contribute, the focus at this time allows for a concerted
national effort, towards the refurbishing and upgrading of the j
physical plants, providing more child-friendly environments in which
our children can grow and learn.
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Labour Day 2003 provides an opportunity for us all as citizens, to
demonstrate pride in our heritage of service, and love for our country
and our children, while we make a practical contribution to enhancing
their surroundings.
It is worthy of note that as we focus on Early Childhood Education
this year, it is the first time that the activities fall under the aegis of
the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture. This is indeed fitting,
as it points to the role of education and the school in the
transmission of the culture, the success of which ultimately
determines the characteristics of members of the future labour force.
Also important is the fact that this year's activities, being conducted
under the theme "Play your pa,t give our children the right start .. ",
represent an attempt to consolidate the efforts started in 2001, when
the focus was also early childhood education.
This serves to underscore the premium placed by this administration
on the type of education where the system, the institutions and the
community, will support excellence, both in terms of achievement
and certification on the one hand, and behaviour, discipline,
character and values, on the other.
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This is fundamental if the entire nation is to maximize the benefits of
an education system which is geared at producing a confident,
competent, enterprising individual who is able to function in a global
economy, sensitive to his or her own possibilities, as well as to those
of others.
If we are able to produce the kind of Jamaican worker who matches
that profile, then we will be assured that our productivity will reflect
the levels required for us to be competitive. For this to become a
reality, not only must we begin with our infants in the schools, but
the community must participate in the process of ensuring that
through their moral and physical support, quality and standards
remain paramount.
As we celebrate on May 23, let us be cognizant of the fact that each
has a role to play. Entrepreneur, worker, management and
professional in both public and private sector must join hands and
hearts in nurturing our children. In so doing we nurture not only
ourselves, but we nurture our nation.
It is therefore with pleasure, and with great expectations of
successful outcomes, that I launch Labour Day activities for 2003.
May God bless you all.
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