Writing in 1985 about mural art in Murals in Jamaica Reaching Back to Shared World Traditions, Normadelle Whittle documented Eugene Hyde's several indoor and outdoor murals listing among these a large mural for a primary school at South Camp Road, executed as a Labour Day project in 1973. That mural is shown in the photographs by Ewan McAnuff, member of the Jamaica Guild of Artists in May, a composition of children at play with hoops and balls.

Viewing the mural, we can hear the laughter and enjoy the fun among the youth. A comment on the artist's style appeared in Artist Review - Eugene Hyde, in which Archer Straw observed that Hyde chose familiar colours and pushed form to abstraction, which she concluded, many conservative local viewers were able to relate to, and which facilitated an appreciation for modern art principles.

It was to preserve the work of Hyde, the muralist, that Beverley Manley, broadcaster and communications specialist, recognising the deteriorating state of the mural which had been commissioned during the Michael Manley era as a Labour Day Project, approached the Guild and suggested its restoration as a Labour Day project for 2009.

With enthusiasm, the Jamaica Guild of Artists accepted the challenge. Artists Edward Channer, Ewan McAnuff, Rennie Hanlon, Rachelle Williams, Charl Baker, Ruth Stephens, Mark Bogie and Patsy Mair answered the call. The first step was to assess the job.

Findings on day one included fading and flaking paint, cracks, mould, stains and much dirt among other signs of dereliction.

childhood memories

With funds secured to source the most durable paints and other materials, and with buckets, step ladders, brushes and rags, all was ready for the work to begin.

An eager team of artists began working. Community interest was strong. Many persons who came around offered childhood memories of the mural. Soon, the mural began to come alive again.

Many agree that there are many benefits to having this significant art in the midst of the community and yet it could so easily have been lost. Today though, the mural is as vibrant as ever and around for all to see and enjoy.