EMBARGO: Not for broadcast/publication before 8:00 p.m. Sunday
May 22, 2005
LABOUR DAY MESSAGE
FROM
THE MOST HON. P.J. PATTERSON ON, PC, QC, MP
PRIME MINISTER
MONDAY, MAY 23, 2005
My fellow Jamaicans:
As is customary, on this annual Labour Day holiday we pause to pay special tribute to the
workers of Jamaica and to recognise and thank them for their continuing contribution to
our nation's growth, prosperity, and the well-being of all our people.
Once again we acknowledge the value of the high level of cooperation and collaboration
that, over the past year, has characterized our industrial relations climate. This has
contributed significantly to economic growth and a spur of new investment, despite the
national disasters of the past year and the severe drought we suffered a few months ago.
For most Jamaicans, Labour Day is not just another holiday, but one on which
communities undertake special group projects underlining the fact that it is together we
build this country of ours. I am confident that at the end of the day we will all benefit
from the practical results of the voluntary labour in which so many of our citizens will
participate.
Equally important is the revival of our strong community spirit. Everyone who
participates will no doubt enjoy the special satisfaction that comes from working together
in partnership with neighbours and friends for the common good.
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islandwide. Our Parish Councils are required to undertake drain-cleaning programmes
for those gullies and drains that fall under their jurisdiction.
At the meeting of National Disaster Committee last week, I directed that we should
embark on a drain-cleaning programme at once. I further instructed that the work on the
National Disaster Mitigation Management Plan should be accelerated.
This will include:
► examining plans for development in the flood prone areas
► making recommendations for future development and land use
► and recommending the design criteria for a national flood control system based
on the proposed land use.
This will be carried out in consultation with the Office Of Disaster Preparedness and
Emergency Management, the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the Office of the Prime
Minister in order to collate and review the existing plans and policies for disaster
management.
The Plan will take into account the concerns of all major stakeholders such as agriculture,
tourism, and manufacturing. Members of the public should be made aware of the Plan
and their role in its successful implementation.
Let me once again remind everyone that one of the major causes of flood damage is the
blocking of drains and gullies with garbage. This practice is both unhealthy and
dangerous. The other practice which we must stop is building houses on the edges of
gullies, in river beds and in flood prone areas and on hillsides where land slippages
frequently occur.
While the government will continue its public education programme, I am also relying on
community leaders and all responsible citizens, to play their part in discouraging these
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.....
Among the immediate initiatives to further protect the rights of all our workers, we are
drafting legislative amendments to make it possible for non-unionised workers to have
access to the Industrial Disputes Tribunal on the same terms and conditions as unionized
workers. Our labour market policies will continue to enrich efficiency and growth while
securing the rights, dignity and respect for our labour force.
Let us continue to work together in unity as we build a strong and caring nation.
May God continue to guide and bless us all and bless Jamaica, land we love.
-end-
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