Salutations.
NOTES FOR ADDRESS
BY
MOST HON. P.J. PATTERSON, ON, PC. QC, MP
PRIME MINISTER
AT LAUNCH OF NATIONAL LABOUR DAY 2005
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2005
It is a real pleasure to be in this beautiful setting as we meet to launch
National Labour Day 2005.
The concept of Labour Day is a creation of the labour movement across the
globe which each year salutes workers and recognises their social and
economic achievements. It is a yearly national tribute to the contributions
workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well being of their
country.
We come together this year to mark the launch of our Labour Day
celebrations, on which we have put our own unique Jamaican stamp.
Today, I begin by paying special tribute to those in the labour movement
who have contributed to the high level of cooperation and collaboration
that, over the past year, has characterized the industrial relations climate.
UWI LIBRARIES
The different areas of focus for Labour Day, over the years, have been the
subject of continuous change to reflect the needs of the country at the
particular time. We have seen emphasis on targeted areas such as taking
care of the Elderly, Early Childhood Education and Road Safety.
This year's Labour Day is the first since Hurricane Ivan ravaged our island.
The damage could have been much worse if we had not made timely and
significant preparation in advance. Because of this, and the fact that we
have a National Disaster Plan, our recovery rate has been very good and
the impact of the hurricane was significantly minimised.
A greater level of preparation was put into practice for Hurricane Ivan
when compared to Gilbert, thus also reducing the number of lives lost from
45 to 17. Our people were far more aware of how to prepare for such
natural hazards and we want to continue the trend of reducing the
vulnerability of the population by making them better prepared for future
natural disasters.
It is against this background that under the theme, Prepare for Disaster:
Recover Faster, we are focussing on disaster preparedness for Labour
Day 2005.
3
UWI LIBRARIES
In light of some unfortunate reports about the abuse of schools used as
shelter, we would like to cease the practice of using our schools as shelter.
Let all of us pull together as we upgrade, renovate, expand or build,
where necessary and practicable community centres in each parish,
fully equipped to be used as effective shelter for hurricane, flood and fire
victims ...
Our national project will be renovating and refurbishing the Buena Vista
Community Centre, the Buena Vista District, in St Elizabeth.
I would like to see everyone from Buena Vista there taking part in this
project. I urge volunteers from surrounding communities to come out on
Labour Day prepared to give a hard day's work so we can transform that
centre into the first model shelter in Jamaica.
In other communities - please take on the task of renovating and
refurbishing your community centres.
Public Education Campaign
5
UWI LIBRARIES
which is spearheading the effort. I also say a very special and sincere word
of thanks to the sponsors, who have demonstrated commendable national
spirit and generosity by making up the gap in the funding of some
activities.
As we prepare for Labour Day, let us remember what is important to us as
a nation and the values that we hold dear: respect for life; self respect
and respect for others; unity; love; the spirit of cooperation and caring;
working together, the work ethic - all must be renewed in our country
today.
In this Labour Day month, let us remember that the vital force of labour
can bring us closer to the realization of our ideals of national development.
Let us pay tribute on Labour Day to the source of so much of the nation's
strength and our prospects for a great future - the Jamaican worker.
7
UWI LIBRARIES
