Durrant Pate/Contributor

Plans for National Labour Day, which will be commemorated on March 23, were unveiled in parliament by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange.

The slogan for this year is ‘Jamaica Nice, Protect Wi Paradise’, with the overall objective being the promotion of environmental awareness, as the nation seeks to encourage community involvement and inspire Jamaicans to act in protecting their environment. Throughout the period, Jamaicans are being encouraged to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives through a conscious effort to keep their environment clean. 

Minister Grange told Members of Parliament, “The aim, ultimately, is to remind our people that protecting our natural resources and environment not only sustains Jamaica’s natural beauty but also, and very significantly, contributes to public health and safety. Among the benefits that accrue to living and working in a healthy environment are enhanced civic pride, improved community and work spaces and sustained property values.” 

National Labour Day Project 

As is customary, the Labour Day Planning Secretariat has identified the National Project for 2025. In keeping with the focus on the environment, Minister Grange announced that this year’s National Project will focus on establishing the Environmental and Research Park at Maison River in Clarendon. 

Maison River is an area of environmental awareness and protection that has gained international recognition over time. In 2022, the area was designated a Protected National Heritage Area under the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act (1991) and a Protected National Heritage Site under the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act (1985). 

The site was also declared a Game Sanctuary in 1998 under the Wildlife Protection Act (1945). More recently, in 2011, the site gained recognition as a wetland of international significance, becoming Jamaica’s fourth Ramsar Site under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. 

She told the parliament, “These designations underscore the property’s national significance as a heritage area, rich and unique in biodiversity as well as for the vital ecosystem services it provides. The Maison River Protected Area plays an essential role in the lives and livelihoods of surrounding and wider communities, offering numerous ecosystem services, including water regulation, carbon sequestration, nutrient recycling, biodiversity support, as well as providing recreational and cultural value.”

The National Project will be led by Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness and Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding. Labour Day 2025 will culminate with a Gospel Extravaganza at Emancipation Park at 7.00pm.