KINGSTON, Jamaica, May 25, CMC – Jamaica is observing Labour Day with Prime Minister Andrew Holness saying it is a reminder that nation-building is not solely the work of government, nor only of those formally entrusted with leadership.
“It is the responsibility of every citizen. Through the work of our hands, the discipline of our minds, and the generosity of our hearts, we build Jamaica. This year, that call carries special urgency.”
Holness said that Hurricane Melissa, which hit the island on October 28, last year, left deep scars across the nation and that while many communities, businesses, and families have recovered to varying degrees, there are still households without proper shelter, social amenities, and stable livelihoods.
“To those Jamaicans still struggling, I want you to know this: you are not forgotten,” he said, adding that the government has already committed more than J$67 billion (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) towards relief and recovery efforts.
He said of that amount, J$10 billion has been allocated to the ROOFS Programme to support assessed households with grants to restore damaged roofs and undertake essential home repairs.
He said schools and households are being repaired and that the government supported the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) through a strategic loan to accelerate the restoration of electricity islandwide.
“We executed one of the largest debris removal operations in our history across the affected parishes,” Holness said, adding that through the National Housing Trust, the Ministry of Housing, and with support from the government of China, more than 2,700 semi-permanent modular housing units have been secured to assist Jamaicans who have been assessed as having totally lost their homes and who are unable to rebuild immediately.
Holness recalled that in early December last year, funds donated towards hurricane recovery would be used for practical, lasting, and measurable recovery efforts.
He said of the J$1.4 billion donated, J$600 million will go towards constructing the foundations required to begin installing the first 900 pre-built units, which have now arrived in Jamaica. Holness said the remaining funds will be used to purchase roofing materials to replenish stocks and strengthen the ongoing Government-led roof repair programme.
“Our commitment is simple: to use donated funds in ways that are tangible, resilient, accountable, and traceable. We will not spend recklessly. We will not be profligate. We will spend responsibly and strategically.”
He said beyond public expenditure, Jamaica cannot place a dollar value on the volunteer effort, sacrifice, and goodwill shown by Jamaicans at home and friends across the world.
“In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, we saw neighbours helping neighbours, communities lifting each other, and strangers stepping forward to help strangers. That is the spirit of service, sacrifice, and solidarity. That is the true meaning of Labour Day.”
Holness said that he s urging every Jamaican on this Labour Day to “see himself or herself as part of our national reconstruction effort.
“We are not merely replacing what was lost. We are rebuilding better, safer, stronger, and smarter. This is our opportunity to correct old weaknesses, reduce future risks, and create communities that are more resilient to storms and other shocks that may come,” he said, adding “let this Labour Day be the beginning of your hurricane preparedness.
“But beyond physical rebuilding, Labour Day must also remind us of a deeper national duty: Jamaica must become a more productive, disciplined, and efficient nation.”
In his message, Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, said Labour Day reminds everyone that “Jamaica is strongest when we work together in service of each other and our communities.
“Today, as Jamaicans across the island roll up their sleeves to uplift schools, parks, roads, churches, and public spaces, let us also reflect on the dignity of work, the sacrifices of ordinary people, and the collective spirit that continues to carry this country forward.”
The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) said it is honouring every Jamaican who to build this country through sacrifice, resilience, and service.
“As we observe Labour Day 2026, the People’s National Party joins in recognising the enduring spirit of the Jamaican people and recommits to building a society where every Jamaican can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope.”
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