Dear Editor,
The pride and joy residents generally display in Labour Day projects has decreased significantly over the years. Ten years ago, residents would be seen all over the island doing what they could to improve their communities. In the rural district where I grew up the school would be our major project, and whether the member of parliament or the councillor funded a project, residents would use what they had to make a difference. This was seen by residents cleaning a drain close to them; bushing an overgrown area; painting a pedestrian crossing; or just giving their community a good cleaning. This they did just to be a part of a Labour Day project and feel the pride and joy of doing something for their communities and the country at large.
This experience has slowly disappeared and the youth of today are denied this opportunity of contributing to society in a tangible way to feel the sheer pride and joy of doing something for their country. Labour Day projects generally involve both the employed and the unemployed, the young, the old, persons with disabilities, everyone would just be eager to do something.
Nowadays, Labour Day is a day when people go to the beach or stay home and sleep. The joy of contributing to our country is only left to corporate Jamaica which will make sure the world knows that they donated some paint or other supplies. I think they call it corporate social responsibility. I really don't have a problem with their contribution; I would just want it to be improved in such a way that everyone can participate.
As a country there are some things that we should not have to look to Government or corporate Jamaica for. We can brighten the corner where we are, as we show love to our children by taking care of our environment. Thank you, corporate Jamaica, for your contribution. Share your experience so that more of us can have that wonderful experience of giving back to Jamaica, land we love.
Fabian Thomas
Royal Flat, Manchester
fabesthomas1st@yahoo.com
Labour Day has lost its significance
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The pride and joy residents generally display in Labour Day projects has decreased significantly over the years. Ten years ago, residents would be seen all over the island doing what they could to improve their communities. In the rural district where I grew up the school would be our major project, and whether the member of parliament or the councillor funded a project, residents would use what they had to make a difference. This was seen by residents cleaning a drain close to them; bushing an overgrown area; painting a pedestrian crossing; or just giving their community a good cleaning. This they did just to be a part of a Labour Day project and feel the pride and joy of doing something for their communities and the country at large.
This experience has slowly disappeared and the youth of today are denied this opportunity of contributing to society in a tangible way to feel the sheer pride and joy of doing something for their country. Labour Day projects generally involve both the employed and the unemployed, the young, the old, persons with disabilities, everyone would just be eager to do something.
Nowadays, Labour Day is a day when people go to the beach or stay home and sleep. The joy of contributing to our country is only left to corporate Jamaica which will make sure the world knows that they donated some paint or other supplies. I think they call it corporate social responsibility. I really don't have a problem with their contribution; I would just want it to be improved in such a way that everyone can participate.
As a country there are some things that we should not have to look to Government or corporate Jamaica for. We can brighten the corner where we are, as we show love to our children by taking care of our environment. Thank you, corporate Jamaica, for your contribution. Share your experience so that more of us can have that wonderful experience of giving back to Jamaica, land we love.
Fabian Thomas
Royal Flat, Manchester
fabesthomas1st@yahoo.com
Labour Day has lost its significance
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