Driven by a strong sense of service and community spirit, Seventh-day Adventist Youth Federations from the West Jamaica Conference, comprising Hanover, St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Westmoreland, joined forces with volunteers and local organizations on May 23, 2026, to carry out meaningful Labour Day projects focused on rebuilding and beautifying schools and public spaces impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
The Hanover Federation took on a restoration effort at Success Primary School, where volunteers cleaned and repainted classrooms that had sustained hurricane damage. Using donated materials and collective effort, the team significantly improved conditions at the school. Tevin Simpson, Vice President of Public Relations for the Hanover Federation and project team leader, said the experience was deeply moving.
"Seeing the classroom transformed through a fresh coat of paint reminded me of how Christ transforms our lives, restoring, renewing, and giving purpose to spaces and people that may have been overlooked, so they can inspire and uplift others once again," Simpson shared.
While in St. Elizabeth, a team led by Federation President Rayan Bent tackled painting, lawn care, electrical work, and bathroom construction at a home in New Holland. Bent was grateful for how the day unfolded.
"We had over 25 persons from the Federation participating, and the day went very well. To God be the glory, we accomplished our tasks," he said.
Volunteers from the St. James Youth Federation paint the curb and sidewalk at the St. James Parish Library during their Labour Day project on Monday, May 25, 2026. :: Photo credit: Contributed
The St. James Federation teamed up with the Jamaica Parish Library Services, the Jamaica Forestry Department, and the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) to carry out an extensive cleanup and beautification exercise at the St. James Parish Library. Volunteers cleared hurricane debris, trimmed trees, cut back overhanging branches, painted, and refreshed the surrounding landscape. Projects Coordinator, Shimue Harriott, commended everyone involved.
"The parish library has a very beautiful yard space, and through beautification we refreshed the environment. Members and volunteers came out and put in much-needed work, and the results were truly rewarding," Harriott said.
In Westmoreland, the local federation worked under a theme of “Service and Community Joy”, carrying out a full cleanup of Independence Park. Volunteers painted surfaces, installed benches, planted palms and trees, and tended to the lawn, restoring the park's appeal and usefulness. Young and older members worked side by side throughout the day, creating a festive and united atmosphere. Representatives from the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation stopped by to acknowledge and thank the federation for its contribution. Amory Billings, President for the Westmoreland Federation, reflected on what made it so memorable.
"What made the project truly special was seeing our young people working side by side with older members; they were laughing, serving, and taking pride in transforming the park for the community. It was a beautiful reminder of what can be achieved when we serve together with love and purpose," Billings shared.
By the end of the day, parks had been revitalized, classrooms renewed, and communities lifted in spirit. Across all four parishes, the West Jamaica Conference Adventist Youth Federations showed that service goes beyond physical labour. It is an act of love, faith, and hope. The projects left behind not just cleaner spaces, but a renewed sense of community pride and the firm belief that united effort can bring real change.