Holness signals major infrastructure renewal as Labour Day projects advance across Jamaica

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica is preparing for a major programme to repair and replace ageing public infrastructure as the country moves towards its 2030 development targets. Speaking at Sabina Park during Monday’s National Labour Day project, Holness said major spending will be needed on works such as Kingston waterfront protection, new roads, parks, bridge repairs, and upgrades to water and sewage systems.

He said development has been moving faster than the State’s ability to provide supporting infrastructure, creating disorder that the Government intends to address. At Sabina Park, a heritage storyboard on the venue’s history was unveiled by Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust installed the feature, which includes a QR code linking to the wider history of the ground.

Labour Day activities also continued across several parishes. In Clarendon, municipal workers and volunteers washed and disinfected streets, painted sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, planted trees and flowers, installed signs, demolished an old market building, and improved areas around the historic clock tower and market district. Rehabilitation work was also supported at the West Park Community Centre.

In Manchester, parish projects included repairs to an indigent house in the Newound Mile Gully Division and upgrades to the Ellen Street Community Centre in Newport, which also serves as a hurricane shelter. In St. Thomas, work progressed on a new post office at Cedar Valley using a refurbished container structure, while the National Water Commission carried out repairs and beautification at Winchester Primary School.

Holness also used his Labour Day message to assure Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa that recovery funds would be spent responsibly, with support focused on visible work such as roof, foundation and home repairs. He urged residents to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, by checking supplies, securing roofs, servicing generators and trimming dangerous trees.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding, in his Labour Day message, called for stronger national unity and paid tribute to essential workers, including nurses, teachers, police officers and farmers. He said workers should have a clearer voice in shaping Jamaica’s priorities and future development.