Labour Day in Jamaica

On May 23rd, Jamaica celebrates Labour Day. Although I’m writing in Delaware, I want to reflect on what Jamaican Labour Day means to me. My memories are full of people coming together to work on social projects that involve cleaning up or uplifting their general surroundings. One image that always stands out clearly in my mind from childhood is that of the sidewalks being whitewashed. That really helped to brighten up the roadsides and was very uplifting to the neighborhoods.

Another popular Labour Day project in Jamaica is to clean up the beaches along the coastline. Many Jamaicans take part in this activity which of course is very good for the morale of the country. Treasure Beach in St. Elizabeth – a popular off the beaten track tourist destination and the focus of my watercolor painting – is one area that people take great national pride in the annual cleanup. Everyone contributes their time and energy in useful ways. Clearing and properly disposing unwanted debris, garbage and empty bottles allows the beaches to remain beautiful and safe for all. And this doesn’t just apply to the Treasure beach area, but to all beach areas on the island. It is a wonderful day!

I myself spent about three weeks in Treasure Beach in the late 90’s on a painting sojourn. I was so impressed not only by the natural beauty of the area but of how well kept it was. This was what inspired me to paint Calabash Bay, this true community spirit combined with such natural rustic appeal.

So let’s make this and every Labour Day not only a day of community work, participation and inspiration but also the catalyst for maintaining clean and safe surroundings every day for us all.

Happy Labour Day Jamaica!