Labour Day is a calendar event recognized not only as a public holiday but also as a day of community involvement across Jamaica. This year, Labour Day (Friday, May 23) focuses on the theme, “Eat What We Grow… Grow What We Eat ”.
Plant Fruits Trees
Jamaicans are being encouraged to plant fruit trees for Labour Day on May 23. Approximately 35,000 fruit tree seedlings including ackee, jackfruit, lychee, mango, naseberry, pomegranate, dwarf june plum, otaheite apple, cherry, custard apple, sweet sop, guinep, star apple and guava, will be distributed free of cost to all persons interested.
Interim Executive Director of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Al Powell, told JIS News that the seedlings will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. “We are distributing between 30,000 and 35,000 seedlings. Out of that, each Member of Parliament is selecting three preferred schools in their area and we will offer five seedlings per school and the rest of the seedlings will be distributed through the RADA office and community groups, the Social Development Commission (SDC), and so on,” he said.
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Thousands of seeds were donated by Agrograce for the Labour day 2008 project
Plant Vegetable crops
As the world food prices rise, Jamaicans are being encouraged to plant vegetable crops for their Labour Day project on May 23. To use the day as a springboard for the drive, the Government will be distributing about 200,000 packets of vegetable seeds to schools islandwide for planting. Students will also be provided with seeds to establish back yard gardens at home.
According to acting Executive Director of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Al Powell, the Ministry of Agriculture is targeting schools islandwide, in an effort to ensure sustainable school gardens.
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History of Labour Day in Jamaica
