In St Ann, from Giving Blood to Painting Schools and Fixing Community Centre — Appeal for Volunteers
ST ANN’S BAY, St Ann; May 24, 2025
There are individuals, institutions and organizations still intent on putting work into Labour Day or helping to improve the community …and they want your help.
Sometimes they ask you to come and help them paint, turn a shovel, or give a gift to people in need. But in one case, it’s just for you to turn up and support life.
The St Ann’s Bay Hospital is asking people to come and donate blood. It’s their Annual Labour Day Blood Drive. You can go anytime between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m, Monday, May 25.
Their theme for this Blood Drive? “Heroes Come in All Blood Types”
(A volunteer gives the thumbs up as he donates blood in last year’s Labour Day Drive)
In their release, the North Eastern Regional Health Authority (NERHA) says you can make a difference by donating blood.
“One unit of blood can save up to 3 lives. Our hospital needs 100–150 units of blood per week to meet patient needs, but we currently receive only 20% of that amount. This leaves a significant deficit that blood drives like this help close.”
ST ANN’S BAY HOSPITAL
(Giving to save lives)
The St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital is getting assistance from different groups. Every year, the Ocho Rios Chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association goes there for a project, and this year will be no different.
The group says: “This year’s scope of activities will include: the general cleaning of the hospital compound; cutting and trimming of grass; edge cutting along walkways and curbs; sweeping of pathways and open areas; pruning of trees and overgrown shrubs; cleaning of gutters and drainage channels; washing of walkways and exterior surfaces; and painting curb walls. Etc.”
Then the Kacy Ann Thomas Custos Command group, dedicated to helping the hospital, plan to de-bush, sweep, clean, and paint at the hospital.
OLD FOLLY
Over in Discovery Bay, repairs will be done to the Old Folly Community Centre, which was damaged by Hurricane Melissa.
Discovery Bauxite Company has selected the community centre for its major Labour Day project 2026. Company employees will join with residents of the Old Folly community to conduct major repairs to the building.
Says George Brown, president of the Community Development Committee, “The Centre will require partial re-roofing, ceiling replacement, structural repairs and Painting.”
(Construction of a bus stop at the intersection of Charles Town and Windsor Heights has started. They want a big push toward completion on Labour Day)
MT ZION
Schools will be benefitting, too, from work on Labour Day 2026. Principal at Mount Zion Primary and Infant Jacqueline Brown is encouraging parents and supporters to come out with their paint brushes and paint to assist in a fresh look for the school.
St Ann’s Bay Councillor Dalas Dickenson is calling out constituents, road users and transport operators to help in completing a bus stop at the intersection of Charles Town and Windsor Heights.
He says the spot is a popular one for commuters using the taxi system. Work has already started, and he expects a major push forward on Labour Day.
