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Jamaicans from all walks of life are joining hands to work on several community projects in observance of Labour Day, today (May 23).

Labour day is observed on May 23 every year, with this year’s theme being “ Lend a hand… Build our land”.

Numerous projects have been organised by state and private institutions.

The work being done today includes cleaning up, beautification, painting and repairs to many facilities such as schools, health centres, police and fire stations, homes for the indigent, among other places.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has called on Jamaicans to uphold the spirit of community unity, over self, as the country observes today as Labour Day.

In her message to mark the occasion, Mrs. Simpson-Miller states that Labour Day is significant as it marks the recognition of the history of those before who gave their lives, in the struggle for workers rights.

She salutes workers who have made many sacrifices for the nation, particularly public sector workers who have, in the national interest, foregone wage increases.

The new President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nathan Robb says the police must preserve lives and be more respectful to the citizens they serve in the four police divisions in area one.

Mr. Robb says the lives of humans are worth preserving and every thing must be done in the preservation of the lives of Jamaicans.

He states that the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry under his leadership will continue to support the work of the police in their quest to curb criminal activities in the parish.

Opposition Spokesperson on Education, Marissa Dalrymple-Philbert has questioned whether there was consultation with the teachers before changes were announced to some of their benefits.

Mrs. Dalrimple Philbert used her contribution to the Sectoral Debate this afternoon (May 22) to emphasize the need for consultation, before the announcing of the suspension of privileges, particularly those relating to teacher development. 

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) says Jamaica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has declined for the first quarter of this year.

There is also a fall in the goods producing industry while the services industry remains unchanged.

Director General of the PIOJ Colin Bullock, says the country recorded a contraction of 0.7 % compared to the same quarter of last year.

Mr. Bullock states that all the goods producing industries declined, except manufacturing, which was up by 0.5% and construction which was also up by 2%.

Police have charged the St. Mary cop, who allegedly shot and killed his common-law-wife at their home in Islington, in the parish, last Tuesday.

Facing the murder charge is Constable Mario Dixon of the Port Maria police.

Constable Dixon accused of shooting to death, 38 year old, Janice Burrell, during a dispute on May 14.

Constable Dixon was charged, last night.

Many Labour Day projects across the island could be affected by rainfall tomorrow (may 23).

The Met Office is predicting scattered showers for Labour Day, with an increase in rainfall going into weekend.

A trough is expected to influence weather activity across Jamaica from Thursday through to Sunday.

The trough should develop across Jamaica on Labour Day.  An increase in showers and thunderstorms across the island is expected.

For tomorrow Labour Day, the forecast is for scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon.

The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) says it will begin meetings with the short-listed entities from the recent unsolicited proposals to provide new electricity generating capacity.

Last month, Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell said government had approved proposals from Tankweld, Jamaica Public Service, and Azurest as well as a last minute bid from a Hong Kong based company.

The proposals are for the establishment of a 360 megawatt plant, using natural gas.

The Tax Administration of Jamaica (TAJ) says computers were stolen from its St. Ann's bay office in St. Ann during a break-in overnight.

The break-in at the office forced the closure of the facility, today (May 22).

The Tax Administration says police are carrying out investigations into the matter.

Director of Communications at Tax Administration Jamaica, Meris Haughton, says although some computers were stolen, this will not affect regular operations when the office re-opens on Friday, May 24.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission in Jamaica says its visit is to get an update on the country's progress in the implementation of its economic programme.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Finance Ministry this afternoon (May 21) IMF Mission Chief, Jan Kees Martijn, said the visit is to observe and assess the work being done by government to meet the requirements of the international lending agency in order to achieve the extended fund facility.