MANDEVILLE, Manchester — With over 100 projects being undertaken on Labour Day in this south-central parish, political and business leaders were pleased with the turnout of volunteers following two years of scaled-down projects.

Member of Parliament for Manchester Central Rhoda Crawford, chief executive officer at the local municipality Winston Palmer, and president of the parish’s chamber of commerce Simone Spence-Johnson were among volunteers participating in Labour Day activities.

Crawford said residents were eager for the return of community-based volunteerism.

“People from communities, wherever they knew that the projects were, got up very early and were out,” she told the Jamaica Observer at Villa Road Primary where the schoolyard was being paved.

“It has been in a totally bad condition for years [and] it was causing a problem for the children [as it resulted in] sprained ankles. We want the children to return to a brand new schoolyard,” Crawford declared.

She added that schools and pedestrian crossings were the main focus for activities across Manchester Central.

In the meantime, Palmer said projects were undertaken in all 15 council divisions

“We have a fair number of people [out] but I think what will happen [is that] as we go along, the participation will improve,” he said while participating in activities at Cecil Charlton Park.

President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce Simone Spence-Johnson was among those painting the Greenvale roundabout kerb.

“It feels good to come out and get something done for the benefit of the community,” she said.