Two prominent government buildings in the Corporate Area will be renamed in honor of two influential figures in Jamaica’s labour movement, as part of the Workers’ Week 2025 celebrations.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, made the announcement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 6. She revealed that the National Insurance Building at National Heroes Circle will be renamed the Lynden Gladstone Newland Building, while the main building of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on 1F North Street will be renamed the Portia Simpson Miller Building.
Both honorees are former Ministers of Labour who served in different administrations, with the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller eventually becoming Prime Minister.
Newland was a co-founder of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and served as Minister of Labour and National Insurance from 1962 to 1972. During his tenure, he introduced the National Insurance Scheme, a landmark initiative that provided social security benefits to Jamaican workers.
Minister Grange said the renaming recognises their “outstanding contribution to the movement for the rights and proper working conditions of Jamaican workers.”
As part of the wider Workers’ Week observance, tributes will also be paid to historical labour icons, including National Hero The Right Excellent Samuel Sharpe, who led the 1831 strike that became Jamaica’s first organised industrial action. “It is instructive that we are able to recognise Sam Sharpe’s sacrifice… by honouring him every National Labour Day with a wreath-laying ceremony,” Grange noted. Ceremonies will be held at National Heroes Park and Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay on Labour Day, May 23.
Workers’ Week 2025 begins on Sunday, May 18, coinciding with the birthday of another labour legend and former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Hugh Lawson Shearer. A floral tribute in his honor will be held that afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at National Heroes Park, following a Thanksgiving Service at 9:30 a.m. at the Holiness Christian Church in Portmore, St. Catherine.
This year’s theme, “Protect the Environment: Our Land, Our Duty, Our Future,” highlights the importance of environmental stewardship. The slogan, “Jamaica Nice, Protect Wi Paradise,” aims to inspire community action to safeguard Jamaica’s natural resources.
Grange emphasized the week’s focus on sustainability and public health, calling on Jamaicans to adopt cleaner practices in their daily lives. “Protecting our natural resources and environment not only sustains Jamaica’s natural beauty, but also… contributes to public health and safety,” she said.
The Ministry is encouraging partnerships across government ministries, municipalities, civil society, the private sector, churches, schools, and communities to support the initiative.
