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REMARKS
BY
PRIME MINISTER
RT. HON. P.J. PATTERSON
AT
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THE NATIONAL LAUNCH OF LABOUR DAY 1997
APRIL 24, 1997
Salutations
For the past 25 years, the people of Jamaica have
been motivated to do volunteer work on a public
holiday.
The programme of putting work into Labour Day has
a deep rural, cultural and historical tradition.
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It has its roots in the unity and neighbourliness of
farming life, where communities came together to
plough, or mulch, or bush, or reap, on a neighbour's
farm.
It reflects an aspect of our culture which gives
expression to the historic warmth and kind
consideration which Jamaicans harbour towards
each other.
It is unfortunate that more of that part of our
collective personality, is not exhibited in all other
aspects of national life.
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It is creditable, and a source of pride, that for the
past twenty-five years, thousands of Jamaicans
from all walks of life, have been spending Labour
Day voluntarily with each other 0 on various
community development projectse
The 25th anniversary of this unique Jamaican
activity is taking place shortly following the passing
of former Prime Minister Michael Manley, who was
the creator of this revolutionary approach to the
concept of Labour Day.
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This year we pay special tribute to his foresight and
his commitment. It was this approach which has
led to the betterment of the thousands and
thousands of men, women and children who have
benefited from the thousands of Labour Day projects
which have been carried out over the last 25 years.
It is a fact that scores of basic and infant schools,
day care centres, homes for the elderly, children's
parks, play fields and shelters at bus stops have
been constructed.
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Many public parks have been cleaned of rubbish
and rubble, roundabouts have been landscaped and
made beautiful, kerb walls and pedestrian crossings
painted, and benches and desks in schools have
been made or repaired - all under the banner of
putting work into Labour Day.
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The annual Labour Day programme is a celebration
of, and an act of thanksgiving to the workers at the
docks, on the sugar cane and banana plantations,
the street cleaning employees, and transport
workers. It was those workers, who with one accord
in May 1936, demanded recognition as people with
needs and aspirations and to be no longer treated as
mere hewers of wood and drawers of waterg
Community, togetherness, participation and
patriotism are hallmarks of this year's observance of
Labour Day. With its focus on community facilities,
it will provide an opportunity for all to contribute to
the betterment of their respective communities.
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The national project for this 25th year will be the
refurbishing of the Barnet Street Police Station in
Montego Bay.
The choice of this project is both appropriate and
timely.
It comes at a time when, as we grapple with crime in
the society, the police force, which bears the brunt of
the fight, needs and deserves the fullest support of
the entire nation.
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The message which this selection transmits is that
the Jamaican society, in general and the government
in particular, cares about the well-being and comfort
of our loyal security forces. It also demonstrates that
the society is appreciative of the difficulties and
travails which they undergo as they carry our their
arduous duties.
In announcing this selection, therefore, I wish to
applaud the decision and to give it my full support.
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Let us therefore, put work in this years Labour Day,
with the full knowledge that we are contributing the
many worthy causes which will benefit from our
efforts.
It is through this type of self-less service that we will
be able to build strong, stable and vibrant
communities , where we can all dwell in peace,
security and stability.
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It is therefore with a great sense of community and
social consciousness, that I take pleasure
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launching Labour Day, 1997.
May we all labour in love and derive the inner
satisfaction that we labour for a great cause , the
betterment of our fellowmeno
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