Poetic Commentary: Jamaicans Celebrate Labour Day

May 24, 2020 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

On Monday May 25 we celebrate Labour Day …
It is a Public Holiday …
A time to accomplish a new task
Also to reflect on the past …

We recall the labour riot of 1938 …
When workers were very concerned about their fate …
Working conditions and wages were low …
Their discontent led to a public show …

Sir Alexander Bustamante et al stood up for those them did oppress …
He put his life on the line as he bore his chest …
“Shoot me, but spare the worker”
He was a brave warrior …

Norman Manley did play a role
As a lawyer he had to legally control
He too rose to the call …
Helping to improve that which did appall …

Today most have a 40 hour work week …
Trade Unions ensure job security is not so weak …
Working conditions them did improve
A situation that we all approve …

The right to strike is enshrined in law
All this is the right call …
Let us all stand tall …
By not doing anything to cause our downfall

Let us not forget C19 as we celebrate …
Community spread will stem our fate …
It will wipe out our stride
And cause infection rates to spread
wide …

So let us stem community spread
Stay inside you yard instead …
Labour at your place …
Do so with pride and grace

If you have to go to a pub or bar
Social Distance … Or stay far
Do not hug and closely greet …
When you see friends in the street

Bear your chest …
As you publicly go about hug-less
Do not be shy to say hi and bye
People will understand why

Let us wash hands and wear a mask
Stopping community spread is the real task …
Change your stance …
We must adopt for more than an instance …

Ahahah

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a Poet, Satirist and Senior National & International Correspondent for Vision Newspaper