National Library of Jamaica: Labour Day 2010
In 1972, the Prime Minister the Honourable Michael Manley gave this National Holiday a new dimension by issuing an appeal to all Jamaicans to put some meaning into Labour Day by making it a day of voluntary labour. Mr. Manley himself spearheaded this movement by announcing that he would be working on the Palisadoes Road, clearing land and planting and generally beautifying the hitherto barren strips of land.
Following Mr. Manley’s lead, clubs, groups, organizations all over Jamaica began to plan to give free labour to beautify public areas, repair, and 
paint or build old people’s homes, basic schools community centres, churches – some 464 projects were scheduled to be put into effect on that day.
Up to 1989, the decision about Labour Day projects rested in the hands of groups and individuals. However, things changed that year as the Jamaican government intervened and introduced themes as a guide for persons to assist in Labour Day activities.
The identification of a theme was meant to foster wider national involvement but did compel citizens to be bound by the theme. Since 1989, Labour Day themes have included a wide range of issues such as health and the environment, youth and the community, respect for the elderly, road safety, and the planting of trees.
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