Rayon Dyer, Gleaner Writer

Black River, St. Elizabeth:

The 2007 parish Labour Day project in St Elizabeth got off to a smooth start at about 8:30 a.m. at the Siloah Basic School, where a number of residents turned out to assist with the day's work, which included painting, repairing the roof, as well as general refurbishing of the early childhood facility that was established in the early 1960s.

On Wednesday, councillor for the area, Hughbert Baker, and some other colleagues, Mrs. Opal Beharie and Councillor Evan Chen-Lyn, were present as parish council officials assisting with the project.

Mr. Baker said the project went well, and that he was pleased that more than 200 residents of the community came out to participate in the project, which was an overall success.

"I am surprised that not even the mayor and others from the parish council are not here at this stage of the work, and to see what's going on with the main project in the parish for the day," Councillor Baker said. "But, despite that the residents came out in their numbers to ensure that a major aspect of the work is done."

Angella Rowe, a resident of the area who spoke with The Gleaner, said she was very happy that the early childhood facility was chosen as the parish project because the repairs were urgently needed on the school. Adding that the work went well, Ms. Rowe further said that the work would be continuing on the facility long after Labour Day, to ensure a comfortable learning environment for the children.