A motor vehicle passes the defective speed indicator adjacent to the Crescent Primary School in St. Catherine. The sign, which makes motorists aware of the speed at which they are travelling, has not worked for almost three years. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Today, at least 1,000 Jamaicans will converge at Bath Botanical Gardens in St. Thomas to rehabilitate and revitalise the historical site that was pledged this year's National Labour Day project.

The one-acre garden, said to be the first place where a breadfruit tree was planted in Jamaica and home to several endemic plants, has fallen into disrepair. It is for this reason and because this year's Labour Day theme is 'Honouring our Ancestors, Strengthening Communities' why the garden was selected as the national project.

However, while several residents of St. Thomas are enthused that a project has been identified in their parish, some are concerned as to the maintenance of the garden after today's hard work.

Hopeton Murray, director for special and commemorative events in the Ministry of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture, said that plans have already been made to ensure sustainability of the garden.

The garden will be managed and sustained by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture, Bath Community Development Council and the St. Thomas Parish Council.

Within a year, a Ministry of Agriculture office will be erected at the garden to house workers who will maintain the area.

National Labour Day Projects

2006: Falmouth Water Square, Trelawny

One year after the Falmouth Water Square was the National Labour Day project, the public is bestowing praise on its maintenance.

"It is being maintained an the fountain and the lights are not turned on at all times, they are working and it is just a matter of turning them on," said Jonathan Bartley, mayor of Falmouth.

Mr. Bartley indicated that funding for the square's maintenance comes from the Parochial Revenue Fund.

2005: Buena Vista Community Centre, St. Elizabeth

Two years ago, residents of St. Elizabeth, guided by members of the Jamaica Defence Force refurbished the Buena Vista Community Centre in the parish.

Under the theme, 'Prepare for Disaster, Recover Faster' the centre in southeastern St. Elizabeth was the site selected as the National Labour Day project.

Currently, the centre is still being used as a shelter during times of disaster. However, the centre is yet to be officially handed over tothe parish council and the community.

2004: Crescent Primary School, St. Catherine

This project was badly affected by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

The Crescent Primary School in St. Catherine was the recipient of a face-lift and a school speeding system through which motorists would know how fast they were driving as they approached the school, making it safer for the students.

However, months after the lights were erected near the school, they stopped working and according to Principal Iris Lewis, despite repeated pleas, nothing has been done.

2003: Islington Basic School, St. Mary

Mr. Murray was pleased to note that the work done on the Islington Basic School as the National Labour Day project is still being maintained.

Parents, children, civic and business leaders on Labour Day 2003 picked up shovels, paint brushes and machetes to bring a new look to the basic school in St. Mary.

The activities were observed under the theme, "Play your part, give your children the right start; A first rate early childhood facility for your community."