Initiative under theme “The Work Continues”

Kingston, Jamaica — The JEP Group, alongside its scholarship recipients, employees, strategic partners, and members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), united on Labour Day in a powerful demonstration of volunteerism, partnership, and national service as the company returned to Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) to continue its investment in Jamaica’s public healthcare system under the theme “The Work Continues.”

Building on the success of the company’s 2025 Labour Day initiative, which resulted in the full refurbishment of KPH’s Renal Unit, this year’s project focused on the hospital’s Outpatient Department — one of the busiest sections within the institution, serving approximately 3,500 patients daily.

With close to 200 volunteers participating throughout the day, the initiative transformed the department through extensive painting, cleaning, restoration, and enhancement works designed to improve both the patient experience and the daily working environment for healthcare professionals.

The project reflected the collective commitment of corporate Jamaica, healthcare stakeholders, scholarship recipients, community volunteers, and national security partners working together in support of one of the country’s most vital healthcare institutions.

The initiative forms part of the JEP Group’s longstanding partnership with Kingston Public Hospital, a relationship that dates back to 2015 and has resulted in several impactful contributions aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, supporting frontline medical professionals, and improving community well-being.

President and CEO of the JEP Group, Dr. Wayne McKenzie, underscored the importance of investing in public institutions that directly affect the quality of life of Jamaicans and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

“For us, this initiative is about far more than beautification. Kingston Public Hospital serves thousands of Jamaicans every day, and the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and support teams here work tirelessly under demanding conditions to deliver critical care. As a company committed to national development, we believe it is our responsibility to help create environments that are cleaner, safer, brighter, and more comfortable for both patients and healthcare workers,” Dr McKenzie stated.

He further noted that the decision to return to KPH was intentional and aligned with the company’s philosophy of sustainable impact through long-term partnerships.

“Last year, we completed significant work on the Renal Unit, but we recognised there was still more to be done. This year’s theme, The Work Continues, reflects our belief that meaningful transformation requires consistency, commitment, and continued partnership. Nation-building is not achieved through one-time efforts — it is built through sustained investment in people and institutions,” he added.

Chief Executive Officer of Kingston Public Hospital, Dwayne Francis, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the JEP Group and all volunteers involved in the initiative, commending the organisation for its continued and tangible support over the years.

Francis noted that the enhancement of the Outpatient Department was among the hospital’s priority improvement areas and described the contribution as timely, impactful, and deeply appreciated by both staff and patients.

“To have an organisation continue to return and invest in our spaces in this way means a great deal to us. Improvements to our physical environment contribute not only to patient comfort and dignity, but also to staff morale and the overall delivery of care. We are sincerely grateful to the JEP Group, its scholarship recipients, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and every volunteer who gave their time and energy to support this effort,” Francis said.

Senior Marketing Officer and Project Lead for the JEP Group Labour Day initiative, Moya Mullings, highlighted the significance of collaboration and civic engagement in driving meaningful national impact.

“It was incredibly fulfilling to witness the level of participation and teamwork displayed throughout the day. From our employees and scholarship recipients to our partners and volunteers, everyone came together with a shared purpose — to give back in a meaningful way and support an institution that touches the lives of thousands of Jamaicans daily,” Mullings shared.

She added that the participation of close to 200 volunteers demonstrated the power of collective action and reinforced the role that private sector partnerships can play in advancing community development and national progress.

“This initiative is a reminder that real impact happens when organisations, communities, and citizens unite in service of others. The spirit of Labour Day was fully embodied in the energy, dedication, and compassion shown by every volunteer involved,” she said.

The JEP Group’s Labour Day initiative also reflects the company’s broader corporate social responsibility agenda, which focuses on health, education, environmental stewardship, youth empowerment, and community development across Jamaica.

Through strategic partnerships, volunteer-driven programmes, and sustained community investment, the company continues to support initiatives that strengthen national institutions, improve quality of life, and contribute to Jamaica’s long-term social and economic development.

As the day’s activities concluded, the newly refreshed Outpatient Department stood as another symbol of what can be achieved through partnership, purpose, and a shared commitment to building a stronger Jamaica.