Portlanders Enjoy Festive Season with the West in Mind

This year’s festive season does not look the same for all Jamaicans, as Category Five Hurricane Melissa made a devastating impact on sections of the country on October 28.

While some continue to rebuild and recover, others who were spared the worst of the disaster are making a decision to enjoy the season mindfully, sending thoughts and prayers to their affected fellowmen.

In Portland, a well-decorated Christmas Tree stands in the capital, Port Antonio, catching the attention of passers-by and all who visit the site.

Clifton Cousins of Swift River in the parish is one such admirer.

“Down in the west, we would like to say to those people that they will have a happy Christmas as well. We know what transpired, but Christmas is something that we treasure. Regardless of Melissa, this year we had to bring it out (the Christmas tree) like this,” Mr. Cousins told JIS News.

Oneil Haye of Port Antonio said that “we have to celebrate for who can’t celebrate. We are trying to uplift the people in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland that got affected by the Hurricane and we are shining a little light for them, so that’s the Christmas spirit for this year”.

He said that the Christmas tree is a good look. “It is very beautiful in the capital. It is right in the town where the kids can come and take pictures,” he said.

According to the resident, the Christmas tree in the capital is a beloved tradition and he has pictures from his childhood with the tree.

For Rasheed Scott, it was a joy to see the spirit of Christmas alive and well, with the lighting of the Christmas tree.

“It makes me feel like the Hurricane did nothing to Portland and that we are blessed,” Mr. Scott said.

“I am going to bring my son [to the tree] so that he can see it and take pictures because this is something that I used to look forward to when I was a child. I hope that the [Municipal Corporation] continues the tradition,” he added.

He expressed sadness at the fact that sections of other parishes “are struggling with no electricity” and other amenities but sent a message of hope.

“Just push through and keep trying. Everybody started from zero, so even if you reach back at zero, don’t stop. Just continue pushing through,” Mr. Scott said.