On Jamaica’s 2026 Labour Day, thousands of participants including government leaders, corporate partners, volunteer groups, civic organizations and local community members gathered at Kingston’s iconic Sabina Park to launch a nationwide restoration initiative. Held under the unifying national theme “One People, One Purpose – In All Things, Jamaica Wins,” the project focused on revitalizing the historic sports venue to boost its functionality, preserve its cultural legacy, and strengthen community resilience in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
As a leading private sector partner in the national effort, Berger Paints Jamaica Limited took on a high-profile role advancing the venue’s transformation: the creation of a large-scale, culturally rooted mural that celebrates Sabina Park’s decades of unique history and central place in Jamaica’s sporting identity. The mural is currently in progress and scheduled for completion ahead of the highly anticipated August return of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to the island.
This Sabina Park project was the flagship effort of the Jamaican government’s full slate of Labour Day activities, bringing together cross-sector stakeholders that included public agency representatives, private sector leaders, non-profit civic groups, the Jamaica Defence Force, local residents and volunteer groups. All contributors donated their time and labor to upgrade one of the nation’s most storied sports landmarks.
Work completed on-site covered a wide range of critical upgrades to prepare the venue for upcoming international cricket matches. In addition to the large-scale mural project, crews carried out deep cleaning, general infrastructure repairs, accessibility modifications, safety feature upgrades, reinforcement and repainting of railings, and the installation of new permanent solid waste collection stations. Berger Paints’ work extended beyond the mural, including the full restoration and fresh repainting of railings, entrance gates and multiple public spaces throughout the venue, leaving a visible mark on the day’s transformation.
Dwaine Williams, General Manager of Berger Paints Jamaica, joined Robert Hill, CEO of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation, in hands-on painting work during the event. Speaking on the company’s involvement, Williams emphasized that the partnership aligned with the firm’s core commitment to national progress.
“At Berger Paints Jamaica, we believe strong communities are built through partnership, collective pride and shared action,” Williams noted. “Supporting this Labour Day initiative reflects our ongoing dedication to national development and preserving spaces that carry deep cultural and historical meaning for all Jamaicans. As we continue recovery and rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa, we need more reminders of the joy and resilience that define us, and this project delivers that.”
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness used his remarks at the official launch to reframe the meaning of the annual holiday, framing it not as a day of rest, but as a national call to collective action and shared responsibility.
“Legally, this is a public holiday, but at its core, today is a day of work,” Prime Minister Holness said. “I encourage every Jamaican, no matter where you are, it is never too late to join this effort: walk around your property, identify trees that threaten your roof, make small repairs to your roofing if you can, check your emergency generator, refill its fuel, stock up on emergency food and supplies, clear blocked drains and culverts in your neighborhood. Every small action taken by an individual in their own space adds up, and together those actions can transform our entire nation.”
Holness also stressed that sustained investment and regular maintenance of public infrastructure are critical to national growth, noting that preserving landmarks like Sabina Park is an investment in the country’s identity and future. “Sabina Park is woven into Jamaica’s sporting legacy and national identity,” he added. “Maintaining and modernizing our public infrastructure is essential to national development, and ensures these special spaces can continue to serve Jamaicans for generations to come.”
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange extended her gratitude to all volunteers and cross-sector partners who contributed their time to the day’s work. “Labour Day never fails to demonstrate what Jamaicans can achieve when we work together for our country and our communities,” Grange said. “The improvements we’ve made here at Sabina Park will ensure this historic venue continues to host world-class cricket, while remaining a cherished space for generations of Jamaicans who hold its legacy close.”
Grange confirmed that ongoing and completed upgrades at Sabina Park include modernized lighting, improved accessibility for people with disabilities, structural repairs to railings and public facilities, enhanced safety measures, and ongoing restoration work all geared toward the return of top-tier international cricket, including the Caribbean Premier League.
Opposition Leader Mark Golding also praised the selection of Sabina Park as the national flagship Labour Day project, and highlighted the importance of protecting the venue’s unique cultural history. “Sabina Park is a truly legendary facility, and we have to maintain it at a standard that honors its incredible legacy,” Golding said. “It is essential that we continue to care for and modernize facilities like this so they remain worthy of their history and keep contributing to Jamaica’s bright sporting future.”
Speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Kingston, Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation CEO Robert Hill celebrated the spirit of volunteerism that drove the day’s success. “Labour Day shows the very best of what Jamaicans do, especially when our entire community comes together,” Hill said. “Every person who showed up today made a statement: we are committed to restoration, improvement and collective resilience. This historic venue matters to Kingston, and to the entire country, because bringing top-tier cricket back to Sabina Park is a win for all of Kingston.”
Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, also thanked volunteers across the island for participating in community-focused projects that support ongoing recovery from the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Beyond the flagship project at Sabina Park, national Labour Day restoration efforts also extended to the Lewistown Early Childhood Institution in St Elizabeth, which suffered severe structural damage during the 2025 hurricane.
Across all events, this year’s Labour Day activities reinforced a core national message: through unity, public service and shared national pride, Jamaicans can continue building stronger, more disaster-resilient communities across the island.